Assyrian Democratic Party on the SDF and Syrian Transitional Government agreement: “the failure to mention the Assyrian component in the terms of the agreement is unfortunate and unjustified”

KHABUR, North and East Syria — In a recent development, the Assyrian Democratic Party (ADP), has issued a public statement addressing the agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Transitional Government (STG). While the party views the agreement as a positive step towards national partnership, it expresses disappointment over the omission of the Assyrian people as a distinct and fundamental component of the Syrian populace. 

Assyrian Democratic Party’s position on the SDF-Transitional Government agreement 

The ADP, a member of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC)—of which the SDF is the military wing—has welcomed the recent agreement, hoping it will strengthen genuine national partnership. The ADP, however, emphasizes the importance of fair recognition of all communities that have historically contributed to Syria’s development. 

The party’s statement highlights regret that the agreement does not explicitly mention the Assyrian component. It stresses that the Assyrian community should not be subsumed under broader categories but should be explicitly acknowledged, ensuring their rightful participation in national partnership and their active role in Syria’s future. 

Concluding its statement, the ADP asserts that true justice requires equitable representation of all components without marginalization or omission, aiming for a new Syria founded on principles of equality and pluralism. 

The Assyrian Community in Syria 

The Assyrians are an indigenous ethnic group with a rich history in the Middle East, particularly in regions that are now part of Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran. In Syria, they have maintained their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions for centuries. Historically, the Assyrians have faced challenges, including periods of persecution and displacement, but have remained resilient, contributing significantly to the cultural and social fabric of Syrian society. 

The SDF and Its Composition 

The Syrian Democratic Forces are a multi-ethnic alliance primarily composed of Arab, Kurdish, and Syriac-Assyrian militias. Formed in 2015, the SDF has been a key player in the fight against extremist groups in Syria, particularly ISIS. The inclusion of various ethnic groups within the SDF, of which the Syriac Military Council is a co-founder, underscores its commitment to representing the diverse demographics of northeastern Syria. 

Implications of the agreement 

The recent agreement between the SDF and the Syrian Transitional Government aims to integrate northeastern Syria into a unified Syrian state. While the agreement is seen as a positive step towards national unity, the ADP’s concerns highlight the need for explicit recognition of all ethnic and religious groups to ensure inclusive governance. 

Yesterday, the Syriac Union Party also condemned the omission of the Syriac-Assyrian component in a statement. It said: “The agreement is incomplete and does not reflect the aspirations and rights of the Syriac-Assyrian component as an indigenous Syrian component, from which Syria derived its name,” said the SUP. “Despite the participation of the SUP and Syriac institutions in the structure of the Autonomous Administration, the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Democratic Council since their establishment, this was not included in the agreement.” 

Looking ahead 

As Syria moves towards rebuilding and reconciliation, it is crucial that all agreements and political frameworks acknowledge and incorporate the diverse mosaic of its society. Explicit recognition and inclusion of all communities, including the Syriacs-Assyrians, will be vital in establishing a stable and equitable future for the nation.