Damascus-QSD Agreement Continues Despite Rumors of Its Collapse… Ilham Ahmed: 'A Start for Broader Understandings'
The new understandings emerge as an attempt to improve living conditions for civilians in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods, while ensuring their representation in decisions related to s
April 7, 2025, 7:14 pm

Damascus-QSD Agreement Continues Despite Rumors of Its Collapse… Ilham Ahmed: 'A Start for Broader Understandings'

أحمد الشرع ومظلوم عبدي \ متداولة

The Media Directorate in Aleppo denied circulating reports about the suspension of detainee exchanges between the Aleppo Security Directorate and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), confirming that the agreement continues as per the scheduled timeline.

A source from the directorate, as reported by Syria’s official news agency SANA on Sunday, stated that security and logistical arrangements are currently underway to resume exchanges in the coming days—a step reflecting the seriousness of the involved parties in implementing the agreement despite challenges.

These statements came just two days after around 450 QSD fighters left Aleppo in a first batch, in accordance with the agreement stipulating the transfer of the Asayish forces in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah to the Public Security Forces under the Autonomous Administration.

According to Syrian sources, the agreement includes the release of 170 SDF detainees and nearly 400 detainees from the Public Security Administration and other factions—a significant step toward normalizing the situation in the region.

Last Friday, Aleppo witnessed the beginning of the QSD withdrawal, with the first military convoy heading east of the Euphrates under the supervision of the Syrian Ministry of Defense. Meanwhile, Syrian Army units deployed around areas previously under QSD control to secure the departing convoy.

It is worth noting that the Syrian presidency announced on March 10 the signing of an agreement integrating the SDF into state institutions, reaffirming Syria’s territorial unity and rejecting division. The agreement was signed by Acting President Ahmad al-Shar’a and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi.

Ilham Ahmed, the Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Office of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, praised the agreement signed in early April in Aleppo, describing it as a new experiment in Syria’s reality that could lead to "building a decentralized, pluralistic state ensuring the return of displaced people and ending armed conflict."

Ahmed called the agreement "positive," stressing that residents of the two neighborhoods had suffered for years from siege and lack of services, and that this understanding would improve their living conditions and provide a more stable environment.

She clarified that the agreement tasks the Asayish forces with protecting the two neighborhoods post-military withdrawal, calling it a necessary step to safeguard civilians from the repercussions of armed conflicts.

She stated: "Protecting civilian lives is essential, and this requires security guarantees from all parties, including the Asayish and official authorities in Aleppo."

Ahmed noted that the local councils in the two neighborhoods would remain operational while initiating direct coordination with the Aleppo Governorate Council in service and health sectors—a civilian-led effort aimed at fair resource distribution.

She emphasized the need to expand such understandings to other parts of Syria and establish constitutional foundations protecting rights and freedoms to prevent the country from sliding back into conflict—highlighting the importance of building on this positive step.

Former ISIS Commander Assassinated After Joining Ahrar Al-Sharqiya in Ras Al-Ain Division Within Trump Administration Over Russian Military Presence in Syria

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.