Off the wire
• Cote d'Ivoire gov't calls for unity after terrorist attack  • 1st Ld: China, Gambia resume diplomatic ties  • Indian stocks close flat  • Major news items in leading German newspapers  • Vietnam discussing with China, other Mekong countries to ensure sustainable use of water: official  • Nepal eyes South Asia's development through China's Belt and Road Initiative  • Big weekend in la Liga ahead of international break  • China Focus: Pressure kept up on corruption during "two sessions"  • Urgent: Syria warns Kurds against any attempt for federalization  • Nepalese PM to visit China, attend Boao Forum  
You are here: 　 Home

1st LD: Syria warns against federal rule in Kurdish region

Xinhua, March 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Thursday warned against attempts by Kurds in northern Syria to pursue federal rule in predominantly-Kurdish areas, state news agency SANA said.

The warning came amid reports that the Kurds in northern Syria have declared federal rule.

"The government of the Syrian Arab Republic warns any party from encroaching upon the unity of Syria under any banner, including those (Kurds) who are meeting in the city of Rmailan," the ministry said, adding such a move "runs counter to the constitution and the national norms of Syria."

Kurdish groups have had several meetings in Rmailan, in northern Syria.

The ministry said the Kurdish declaration of a federal region would have "neither legal value nor political, social or economic impact as long as it does not represent the will of all Syrians."

Several Kurdish groups in northern Syria have reportedly declared federal rule in predominantly Kurdish areas. Endit