SDF official: We’re part of Syria and have no relations with Israel

After the controversy that arose as a result of statements attributed to her regarding international sanctions imposed on Damascus and the Israeli role in Syria, Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (The political wing of the Syria Democratic forces SDF), came out to clarify her position.

In her statements, the Kurdish official stressed her absolute rejection of the international sanctions imposed on Syria, stressing that they negatively impact the lives of the Syrian people.

Ilham Ahmed said, “We completely reject the economic sanctions that promote intellectual extremism and harm the lives of Syrians”.

Ahmed explained that her statements published in the Jerusalem Post were intentionally distorted, stressing that she did not call for Israeli intervention in Syria, and that there are no relations with Tel Aviv. She added: “Since the beginning of the Syrian revolution, we have stressed the need for regional powers not to interfere in Syrian affairs, and this principle applies to all parties without exception”.

Ahmed explained in an interview with Saudi Arabic channel, Al Arabia, that the top priority now is to support a peaceful political transition in Syria, noting the importance of having effective mechanisms to ensure the success of this process.

She stressed that the international community must provide facilities accompanied by real steps to improve the living conditions of Syrians and prevent individual acts of revenge that continue to occur in some areas.

She also stressed the need for close monitoring of the sanctions relief process while supporting reconstruction efforts and promoting national dialogue among all Syrian parties.

Ilham Ahmed said the country needs a comprehensive dialogue, noting that there are open channels of communication with the new government to discuss key issues through joint committees.

She also pointed out that the appearance of war criminals on official platforms in Damascus sends a negative message about the Syrian administration, adding that honoring blacklisted figures, such as the killer of politician Hevrin Khalaf, is considered an implicit endorsement of their crimes.

Regarding developments on the ground in areas run by the Autonomous Administration, Ahmed stressed that the Turkish attacks harm the stability of the country and weaken Damascus’ sovereignty.

She pointed out that targeting vital facilities such as the Tishreen Dam could lead to an environmental and human catastrophe if it’s destroyed, calling on Damascus to assume its responsibilities in this case.

Ahmed stressed that the Kurds are an integral part of Syria, and that their goal reflects the aspirations of all Syrians.

She added, “We’ve made great sacrifices and are ready to make more, and we believe that the time has come to guarantee the rights of all components of the Syrian people, especially the Kurdish people”.

She concluded by expressing her hope that Arab countries would play a role in supporting Syria’s stability and helping the Syrian people achieve recovery and prosperity.

These statements came after statements attributed to her about calling on Israel to intervene in Syria and not lifting international sanctions sparked widespread controversy on social media.