February 20, 2013
BEIRUT,— Islamist rebels and Kurdish militias have ceased hostilities in Kurdish city of Ras al-Ain (Serêkaniyê) in western Kurdistan (northern Syrian) after sealing an accord that will see them fight together against the regime, activists said Tuesday.
Intermittent and sometimes deadly clashes have taken place between the two sides since rebels entered the majority Kurdish city, located on the border with Turkey, several months ago.
A statement was issued at the weekend detailing the terms of the final accord between the rebel Free Syrian Army and the Kurdish popular committees.
A Kurdish activist from Ras al-Ain (Serêkaniyê) confirmed to AFP over the Internet on Tuesday that "there have been no confrontations following the agreement."
"Hostilities ended between the two parties a week ago and yesterday things were calm. The number of battalions in the city has decreased a lot and those that remain are stationed at the entrances," he said, giving his name only as Hevidar.
Sunday's agreement, which was brokered by prominent Christian dissident Michel Kilo and other opposition activists, calls for the "complete withdrawal of military forces and displays of arms from the city", said the statement.
Ras al-Ain (Serêkaniyê) would be governed by a civilian council,www.ekurd.net which would also manage the border crossing with Turkey in accordance with both parties, the statement added.
The Kurdish fighters and rebels also agreed on "cooperation and coordination between the Free (Syrian) Army and the people's protection forces to liberate cities that remain under regime control," it said.
An agreement has been reached between Kurdish Supreme Council and FSA in regard to Serêkaniyê, which includes:
- All foreign fighters will leave the area;
- There will be joint checkpoints of FSA and YPG;
- There will be a joint local council in the area of Serêkaniyê, based on consensus;
- The local council will take care of the border crossing with Turkey in Serêkaniyê
- It will be easier for local forces, people and goods to move between checkpoints;
- lLter on, a joint police force will be created;
- FSA and YPG will work together where the area has not yet been liberated from the regime.
Copyright ©, respective author or news agency, AFP | firatnews.com
Few days ago, Salih Muslim (PYD) write a letter of apologies to Barzanî. I wonder if there is a relation with Barzani's visit in Moscow.
But for the moment, we could say that YPG cooperates and accept to work with FSA, and not yet with other Western Kurds Peshmergas. Weird.
