Damascus has rejected any preconditions in its dialogue with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), amid reports of stalled progress between the two sides.

A government source told the state-run Al-Ikhbariya channel that the Syrian state “has not and will not accept any rhetoric based on threats or the imposition of preconditions that conflict with the principle of state unity and its sovereign institutions.”

The source stated that “true national dialogue cannot take place under the pressure of arms or by relying on any external party.”

He added that statements about “refusing to surrender arms” and “insisting on forming a military bloc” are categorically rejected and contradict the foundations of building a unified national army, as well as the principles of the agreement signed in March between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi.

Any attempt to maintain militarized structures or remain detached from state institutions by forming a separate military entity outside the Syrian army only leads to further tension and division, rather than a comprehensive national solution, according to the source.

The source also condemned using the events in Suwayda or on the coast to justify refusing integration into the state or to cast doubt on its intentions, saying such actions reflect transparent attempts to sway public opinion and distort facts.

Postponed Meeting

Kareem Qamar, the representative of the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria in France, told the pro-SDF news agency Hawar that a planned meeting between representatives of the Administration and officials from Syria’s transitional government had been postponed. No reasons or rescheduled date were disclosed.

Qamar noted that the Autonomous Administration’s delegation had not yet arrived in France.

Earlier, Ronahi TV reported on July 23 that SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi and a delegation representing northeastern Syria were expected to travel to the French capital, Paris, in the coming days for talks with a delegation from the Syrian transitional government.

The meeting was expected to be held in the presence of U.S. envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack and under the direct patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the channel.

Previous Meetings

A delegation from the Syrian government and an SDF delegation held a meeting on June 1, during which they agreed on several key issues, most notably the formation of specialized subcommittees to follow up on the implementation of the March 10 agreement signed between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi.

The two sides agreed to resolve outstanding issues regarding exams and examination centers in a manner that ensures student rights and the integrity of the educational process, according to Brigadier General Ziyad al-Ayesh, a member of the committee tasked with completing the agreement with the SDF, as told to SANA.

They also discussed mechanisms to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their areas and the removal of obstacles hindering their return.

The two sides reached an understanding to reactivate the agreement concerning Aleppo’s al-Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods and to work toward a resolution that supports stability and civil peace, al-Ayesh added.

He affirmed that both parties are committed to constructive dialogue and ongoing cooperation in service of Syria’s unity and sovereignty and to fulfill the Syrian people’s aspirations for security and stability.