Syrian opposition leader hails new coalition with Kurdish administration

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The head of Syria's opposition group known as the Al-Ghad Front says that Sunday's agreement with the administration in the country's Kurdish enclave -- known as Rojava -- is a "new chapter of brotherly relations between Arabs and Kurds."

Speaking to the Syrian ANF News Ahmed Jarba, who leads the Front, denounced "Arab chauvinism" that according to him had led to the destruction of the Arab countries.

Jarba’s comments came after a coalition was set up between the two groups in the Egyptian capital Cairo on broad cooperation in Rojava and elsewhere in Syria.

"We do not wish to isolate our Kurdish brothers. We reject the Arabs who rode the wave of Arab nationalism and Baathist chauvinism that led to the destruction of the Arab countries," Jarba said.

According to the agreement, the territorial integrity of Syria will be respected but the Kurdish-administrated cantons in the country will be recognized as lawful and seen as a model for the future Syria.

Kurds in Syria have set up three federal entities in the northern corners of the country which together make up their political enclave called Rojava. The three cantons of Jazira, Kobani and Afrin are predominantly Kurdish inhabited areas but have sizeable Arab and Assyrian communities.

Under the terms of the agreement the Ghad Front will be allowed to set up its own branches in Rojava and be engaged in political activity. It also says a committee will be established between the two to form a common understanding about how the future Syria should be rebuilt politically and in terms of administration. The agreement also acknowledges the position of women in Syria.