New York, Jan.20 (SANA) – Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, said that the Syrian government has granted the Syrian Democratic Forces a four-day deadline for internal consultations and the submission of a clear action plan, stressing that Syrian forces will remain outside the center of Hasakah city and other predominantly Kurdish cities until the plan is finalized and put into effect.
Speaking at a press conference at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Olabi stated that local security forces will be responsible for maintaining security in those areas in accordance with approved agreements.
He noted that the January 18 agreement includes appointing a nominee from the SDF as deputy minister of defense, proposing a candidate for the position of Hasakah governor, submitting a list of names to represent the region in the People’s Assembly, and another list for integration into certain government institutions.
Olabi added that the agreement also covers the integration of the SDF into the Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as the incorporation of civil institutions into the Syrian government, while work continues on developing implementation mechanisms.
The ambassador pointed to Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026, issued recently by President Ahmad al-Sharaa concerning Syrian Kurdish citizens, saying it will be activated swiftly and enshrines the principle of equal citizenship while protecting cultural and linguistic diversity within the framework of building a unified Syria based on national partnership and guaranteed rights for all Syrians.
Olabi stressed that since Syria’s liberation, the Syrian government has been working to achieve stability and build a unified state after years of dictatorship and war, involving all segments of Syrian society in this process.
He noted that the SDF’s retreat from its commitments and its actions that fueled tensions among local communities necessitated intervention to protect civilians, stressing that the Syrian state works with all components of society without exception and that Syria’s diversity is a source of strength.
Olabi remarked that the SDF has delayed implementing the March 10 agreement, voicing Damascus’s surprise at how the SDF has handled the prisons file and attempted to use it as a political and security pressure tool.
“As a member of the international coalition against terrorism, Syria has regained control over most prisons and sites that were under SDF control and is dealing with counter-terrorism with seriousness and responsibility, in coordination with international partners,” he said.
Olabi warned against media disinformation campaigns accompanying certain field developments, noting that any violations will be investigated by the competent authorities in cooperation with the United Nations, and accountability will include anyone proven to be involved.
He voiced the government’s hope that the agreement with the SDF will succeed within the coming four days, leading to the integration of its members into state institutions, continued cooperation with the international community to confront ISIS threats, and ongoing coordination with the United States on issues of mutual interest.
In a separate context, Olabi noted that Israel has repeatedly violated the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, citing incursions by Israeli forces into southern Syria and the abduction of Syrian civilians, stressing the government’s commitment to restraint and to working with the United Nations and partners to end these violations and safeguard Syria’s sovereignty.
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