Damascus: There has been no willingness from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria to integrate into the country's central administration in Damascus, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said on Monday. At a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Damascus, al-Shaibani expressed concerns over the integration of the northeast, highlighting an agreement signed on March 10 aimed at strengthening Syria's national unity and territorial integrity.

According to Anadolu Agency, al-Shaibani noted that the SDF has not demonstrated any real or serious willingness to implement the agreement, with no concrete steps taken towards this end. On the contrary, he accused the SDF of engaging in a systematic stalling process. A recent proposal by the Defense Ministry aimed at reviving the integration process, particularly its military aspect, has been put forward, and the response from the other side was received on Sunday.

The minister stated that the response is currently under detailed examination, with authorities assessing how the process could align with national interests. Al-Shaibani emphasized the importance of the Jazira region in Syria's northeast, asserting that the Syrian state intends to maintain a presence there. He reiterated Syria's objective of full integration, the preservation of national unity, prevention of partition, and rejection of any administrative arrangements that could undermine Syrian sovereignty.

In addition, al-Shaibani mentioned that discussions between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Turkish delegation centered on lifting US sanctions on Syria, enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and strengthening intelligence and military ties. The talks also aimed at facilitating the return of Syrian refugees, addressing counterterrorism efforts, combating the Daesh/ISIS terror group, preventing its resurgence, and developing a shared vision for the country's northeast.

The PKK/YPG terror group operates under the name SDF in Syria.