Posted on 01/26/2017 1:49:15 PM PST by Texas Fossil
According to reports and the comments of two Russian officials, Moscow proposed a draft constitution to the Syrian opposition at the recent Astana talks.
Alexander Lavrentyev, the head of Russian delegation at Astana said, "We transferred the draft constitution, which was prepared by Russian experts, to the Syrian armed opposition. I want to emphasise, we have done this solely for the reason that we want to accelerate this process and to give it some additional pacing, we are in no way interfering in the process of consideration and adoption of the constitution."
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov also supported this statement telling Sputnik, "There are proposals and ideas that could be discussed, they could be really useful, after all."
However statements by the Syrian opposition calling for the listing of the YPG and PYD as terrorist groups, and the regime delegation rejecting federalism during the Astana talks has contradicted this development.
What's in the constitution?
According to a comprehensive report in Rudaw Arabic, the new constitution will not refer to any ethnicity and be called the "Syrian Republic" rather than the "Syrian Arab Republic," which is what it is called now.
The new constitution will also recognise autonomous Kurdish areas in the north of the country, decentralise power, not include 'Islamic jurisprudence as a source of legislation', and provide equality for all languages.
Although there is no mention of a federalism in the draft constitution, it is likely that the constitution includes the suggestions of the autonomous adminstration in Rojava-Northern Syria Federation. Russian officials are thought to have held meetings recently with all the components in Rojava on their suggestions for a new constitution.
"However statements by the Syrian opposition calling for the listing of the YPG and PYD as terrorist groups, and the regime delegation rejecting federalism during the Astana talks has contradicted this development."
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Neither YPG or PYD are terrorists. I hope this is reflected and that Turkey will leave both Syria and Iraq. Not holding my breath.
Wow...just wow. If this happens it is great news.
The Turks consider the YPG to be terrorists due to their links with the PKK. I would suppose the Turks know who is involved in what
This move by the Russians could effectively take the Kurds out of the CIA-formed “SDF” (where they are the most effective fighters) and out of fighting the Assad government.
That’s a positive move.
Syria also needs to stop harboring terrorist organizations.
That’s my take on it as well.
Leave the Kurds in peace.
I’m so glad Russia proposed this. On this, I think we can agree.
Time for a summit.
Trump, Putin, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.
Trump doesn’t even have to lead out. Let Putin do the heavy lifting.
Trump can say, “Look, Putin has proposed a good thing here. We believe it would be best for all parties to accept his suggestion. We are glad to be a part of the talks, and wish to remain a valued participant with each of these nations over time.”
If we go along with this, it will cause problems with the Turks, which is probably Russia’s plan.
I think the Russians are actively looking to provoke Turkey into a war that NATO won’t support.
As long as the Saudis and their paid Sunni puppets and jihadis are completely shut out, I’m good.
I love anything that pisses off turkey.
I respect and trust the Kurds.
In the past I would have supported the Turks too. But I despise Erdogan’s arrogance and his support of ISIS with Obama.
With the military purge in Turkey, nothing holds the Islamist element in Turkey in check.
I’m with you.
May it be so.
Who says WE don't set a good example ? !
I believe it is the best solution. But it will be a hard sell with Turkey.
Turkey might leave NATO over it, not sure it would be a loss due to their support of the terrorists and Islamists.
I don’t want the Kurds to be autonomous; I want them to be independent.
Yes, both sides in Syria have those elements.
Turkey has consistently refused to participate if the N. Syrian Kurds are involved.
The Left says we don’t, of course they are wrong. They are always on the wrong side of Freedom.
Socialism Fails, Freedom Works.
True, I don’t think it was right of Obama to arm terrorists to go after Syria. And Israel who is right there said all along not to do that.
But there is a certain Irony in Syria getting a huge dose of terrorism when they’ve been sponsors of it for decades.
I’m more interested in Iran’s reaction than Turkeys.
I’d buy that except how do you fit Iran in the equation? Definitely mind blowing for a quick read.
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