Agreement between Sheikh Maqsoud-Ashrafieh Neighborhoods Council in Aleppo and Damascus government

A 14-article agreement was signed between the Sheikh Maqsoud-Ashrafieh Neighborhoods Council in Aleppo and the Damascus interim administration regarding the status of the neighborhoods.

A 14-article agreement, aimed at affirming coexistence and promoting peace in Aleppo, was signed between the Sheikh Maqsoud-Ashrafieh Neighborhoods Council and the Damascus interim administration. The agreement also seeks to implement the broader agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Damascus interim administration. It was reached within the framework of cooperation between the civilian council of the two neighborhoods and the committee appointed by the Damascus interim administration.

The agreement reads as follows:

"This agreement is based on the goal of promoting coexistence, preserving civil peace, and achieving the aspirations of the Syrian revolution for freedom and dignity. It also stems from the belief that consensus among the diverse components of the Syrian people is the best way to confront the existing challenges.

On this basis, the following articles have been agreed upon:

The Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, where Kurds form the majority, are considered part of the city of Aleppo and are administratively affiliated with it. The protection, respect, and social and cultural privacy of the residents of these two neighborhoods are essential for promoting peaceful coexistence.

The provisions of this interim agreement will remain in effect until the Joint Central Committees agree on a sustainable solution.

The Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the Internal Security Forces, is responsible for protecting the residents of the two neighborhoods and preventing any attacks or threats against them.

To ensure civil peace and the safety of civilians, armed demonstrations are prohibited in both neighborhoods, and the use of weapons is restricted to the Internal Security Forces under the Ministry of Interior.

Until security and stability are fully restored in both neighborhoods, soil barriers on public roads will be removed, while main checkpoints will remain under the supervision of the Internal Security Forces.

Military forces will withdraw from both neighborhoods to the eastern side of the Euphrates, taking their weapons with them.

Two internal security centers have been established in each of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods.

The right to free movement for residents of both neighborhoods is guaranteed, and any individual who was wanted before the agreement and whose hands are not stained with Syrian blood will not be prosecuted.

A coordination committee will be formed to facilitate movement between the city of Aleppo and the regions of North and East Syria.

Committees will be established in both neighborhoods to oversee the implementation of the agreement on the ground.

Civil institutions in both neighborhoods will operate in coordination with other civil institutions in Aleppo without any form of discrimination. Services will be provided to these institutions through the two municipal branches in the neighborhoods.

Both sides in Aleppo Governorate will empty their prisons and exchange all prisoners captured during the conflict.

The neighborhoods will be granted full and fair representation in the Aleppo Provincial Council, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and all other relevant sectors, in accordance with the applicable laws.

Until the Joint Central Committees agree on a sustainable solution, the existing service, administrative, and educational institutions, as well as municipalities and local councils in both neighborhoods, will be preserved.