Fawza Yousif: We Greatly Value & Thank the PUK

Kurdistani Nwe

Fawza Yousif, Head of the negotiating delegation of the DAANES.

Fawza Yousif, head of the negotiating delegation of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), has shed light on the ongoing negotiations with the Syrian transitional government and the question of integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian Army.

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistani Nwe, Yousif reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only way to resolve Syria’s crises and underlined that the SDF, which controls the DAANES areas, must not be dissolved but rather incorporated into the Syrian Army as a regiment, preserving its structure, experience, and identity. She also expressed appreciation for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) for continuously supporting West Kurdistan (north and east Syria)

Below is the full interview:

Q: Where have your talks with Damascus reached? What are the main points of disagreement?

- Talks with Damascus have been ongoing for some time. We were due to meet in Paris, but the Damascus side refused to attend a meeting for the second time. A meeting scheduled for the 14th of this month, in the presence of representatives from the United States, France and Britain, was cancelled after Damascus said they refuse to participate because of the Communities Conference in which was held earlier this month in Hasakah.

We see this as an excuse. They want to delay the process and exclude the international role in negotiations. However, we are ready for dialogue, as we believe it is the only path towards resolving Syria’s crises.

Q: You have spoken of integrating the SDF with the Syrian Army. What exactly do you mean by that?

- Security in Syria remains fragile, and threats against the Kurds continue. Hence, the SDF must not be disbanded. Instead, it should become part of the Syrian Army while maintaining its identity and structure. Our proposal is for the SDF to serve as a regiment within the Army, with recognised status in the Ministry of Defence and the Army Staff Board. We reject the merger of forces individually.

The SDF is an organised, experienced and professional force composed of Kurds, Arabs and Syrians from this region. We will not accept other forces taking responsibility for the protection of our region. With that being said, the SDF is ready to defend any part of Syria against ISIS and any external aggression.

Q: What kind of political system are you demanding for Syria?

- We demand a decentralised system — a model that is widely adopted in the world and proven to prevent political, economic, and social conflicts. Such a system guarantees Syria’s unity while respecting its diversity.

The system should rely on elections, local councils, and full representation of all communities, with women making up 50% of institutions. Syria must not be “an Arab Syria” but the Syrian Republic, reflecting all its peoples.

Q: How close are the Kurdish forces in West Kurdistan? Do disagreements remain?

- The Kurdish parties in West Kurdistan recently held a conference in Qamishli to unify their stances and formulate their demands. They formed a joint delegation to negotiate with Damascus, but no response has been given yet.

After the conference, the Kurdish parties hold a common stance and are united on the key demands for Damascus.

Q: Several armed groups have attacked your areas. What is their purpose, and how does this affect your dialogue with Damascus?

- Some armed groups, under the umbrella of the Damascus government, have launched attacks against the SDF with the support of foreign actors seeking to destabilise the region. The Syrian government has failed to control all of these groups.

Their aim is to create chaos and disrupt dialogue. The SDF is in a defensive position and dealing with these provocations with caution. We hold all sides responsible for preventing such actions.

Q: How would you describe your relations with Türkiye? Has Ankara’s position changed?

- Our relations with Türkiye remain limited. The peace process and the democratic initiatives led by Mr. Abdullah Öcalan are expected to positively influence Kurdish-Turkish relations, particularly in West Kurdistan. Türkiye plays an influential role in the region and in Syria today.

We believe that democracy in Türkiye, Syria, and the Middle East are interconnected. A democratic Syria would also enhance Türkiye’s security. Conversely, extremism and racism in Syria will always be a threat to Türkiye. Therefore, it is in Ankara’s interest to support a democratic system in Syria and play a positive role in the peace process.

Q: Where your relations with the United States stand? How do you view the role of Washington’s envoy to Syria?

- The United States, the SDF, and DAANES ties exist and ongoing. The U.S. envoy is actively engaged in the dialogue between us and Damascus and plays an important role in ensuring progress. The Americans are making great efforts and playing an important role in this regard.

So far, they have demonstrated significant responsibility. Concerning the decentralisation of West Kurdistan, the United States supports the principle that Syrians should determine their own future. The official U.S. position is that all communities must have the right to shape their own destiny.

Q: How do you assess the situation in Suwayda and relations with other communities?

- The people of Suwayda have resisted both the former Syrian regime and ISIS. They deserve to democratically govern their own affairs. In the recent attacks, crimes against humanity were committed, and the people resisted to defend themselves.

We maintain relations with the Druze, as with all other communities, and emphasise the importance of coexistence within a democratic Syria that respects the rights, identity, and will of every community. Our relations extend to Druze, Alawites, Sunnis, Christians, moderates, and democrats, as all are integral to Syria. The country is in the process of reconstruction, and no community should be marginalised.”

Q: What are your thoughts about the David's Corridor, which is an Israeli project? Do you consider yourselves closer to Israel or Türkiye?

- Today, the region hosts several economic initiatives, including the Abraham Accord and the Development Road between Iraq and Türkiye. All countries are striving to position themselves as economic hubs, creating significant competition. However, no economic project can succeed while war and conflict persist or in the absence of a democratic system, as there is a direct link between the economy, politics, democracy, and the rule of law. 

Without justice and peace, economic development is impossible. Cooperation between Syria and its neighbours is essential, and we believe it is crucial for neighbouring countries to support peace in Syria. Our relations with neighbouring states remain constructive and focused on mutual development.

Q: How do you assess the role of the PUK in supporting West Kurdistan?

- The PUK has always held a principled national stance. Since 2011, the Sulaymaniyah Centre has provided significant political, diplomatic and educational support to the West Kurdistan revolution, helping us establish institutions and expand international relations.

First, President Mam Jalal, and now President Bafel Jalal Talabani, have stood with us with dignity and resolve. Despite enormous pressure, the PUK never bowed down. Their position has been honourable, courageous, and historic. We greatly value and thank the PUK for their unwavering stance, which history will record in golden letters.



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