Alexander Lavrentiev, the Russian President’s special envoy to Syria, confirmed that Russia has attempted to integrate Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militias into the Syrian Arab Army. Meanwhile, an opposition lawyer said that The Kurdish Autonomous Administration, which is dominated by these militias, provides a “justification” for the Turkish regime to launch a new military campaign on Syrian territory.
“We told our Turkish colleagues that this could increase separatist sentiment among the Kurds and motivate them to establish a state. This is not in the interest of Syria, Turkey, Iran, or Russia,” Lavrentiev said.
“At the same time, Moscow is trying to persuade the Kurds to settle with Damascus, restore the unity of Syrian territory, and integrate SDF militias into the Syrian Arab Army. He said these actions would help prevent the deterioration of the situation in Syria.
Riad Darar, the co-chair of the so-called Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) — SDF’s political front — has already confirmed that the latter will fight alongside the Syrian Arab Army if “anyone attacks the Syrian border.”
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On the other hand, Syrian opposition lawyer Hassan al-Aswad ruled out that the Syrian opposition coalition (SOC) would have a national reaction. He added that the SOC had become a complete “Turkish platform,” and its members cannot depart from the orders and interests of their operators.
Aswad, director of Law for Syria, said during an interview with opposition media that the actions of certain groups of Syrian Kurds — particularly SDF and the Autonomous Administration — provide a “justification” for the Erdogan regime to launch a new military campaign on Syrian territory. He pointed out that many Syrian forces are “at Turkey’s beck and call” and are operating under the pretext of protecting areas outside the Syrian government’s control.
“Turkey wants to shift its domestic crisis by creating a foreign war. The main reason for this strategy is the ambition of the Justice and Development Party and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to win the next presidential election in 2023,” Aswad said.
Asked if he expected a change in the position of the Turkish-based opposition coalition (SOC)— which is dominated by Erdogan’s decision to stop Turkish threats of military aggression — Aswad ruled out a national reaction. “No national reaction can be expected from the coalition (SOC),” he said. “It is now a comprehensive Turkish policy, and the opposition’s members cannot depart from the commands and interests of their masters.”
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
