The government of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which rules Syria, has refused to hold peace talks with the Kurdish-led armed group, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which operates in Syria. The talks were scheduled to take place in Paris, the capital of France. However, sources from the HTS government said that the government has decided not to travel to Paris to participate in the talks.
HTS came to power through a military coup that ousted former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024. Subsequently, HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara’a announced that they would form a coalition government. Shara’a, who currently holds the position of president, has also extended an opportunity for armed groups operating in the country to officially join the Syrian military.
Under this opportunity, the SDF decided to join the Syrian military and drafted an agreement with the HTS government in March. However, analysts studying the situation say that the implementation of this agreement is now in question, as Shara’a’s government has refused to participate in a meeting to discuss its implementation.
The SDF is an armed group supported by the United States. They played a key role in the US-led war against the terrorist group ISIS, which had taken control of parts of Syria and Iraq between 2014 and 2019. Some areas in northeastern Syria are still under SDF control. Bringing these areas under Damascus’s control is one of Shara’a’s goals.
The invitation to participate in the talks in Paris was extended to the HTS government by the SDF. However, Syrian state media, citing HTS government sources, said that Shara’a’s government is not willing to negotiate with those who are working to “restore the former regime.” HTS government sources also described it as a meeting planned to discuss proposals that contradict the March agreement.
The SDF has also called for a review of a constitutional decree being implemented under Shara’a’s rule. The group said they do not believe the decree will establish equality in Syria. The participants of the Paris meeting have also condemned the recent unrest in al-Suwayda and coastal areas in southern Syria.
