Turkey Calls for Integration of SDF into Syrian Army to Facilitate Border Openings

Turkey has reiterated its demand for the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the official structures of the Syrian army, viewing this as a key condition for reopening all border crossings to Syria.

During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey aims to "open all border crossings to Syria, but not before the agreement from March 10 is implemented." Fidan's comments were reported by the state broadcaster TRT.

The aforementioned agreement, signed by SDF commander Mazlum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara on March 10, outlines the integration of "all civilian and military institutions of the SDF in northeastern Syria into official state institutions."

Fidan emphasized that these Kurdish forces, which control most of northeastern Syria, must come under the authority of the central government before any steps are taken to open the crossings. He accused the SDF of showing "no willingness to implement this understanding with Damascus."

It is important to note that the official Turkish stance considers the SDF and the People's Protection Units (YPG) as branches of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organization. However, the SDF consistently denies any affiliation with this group.

Furthermore, the political context indicates that since the signing of the agreement in March, both Syrian and Kurdish parties have accused each other of obstructing its implementation, although they continue to assert that follow-up discussions are ongoing.