DAMASCUS: Syria’s presidency announced on Tuesday an understanding with the Kurds over the fate of Kurdish-majority areas of their stronghold of Hasakah province in the country’s northeast. In a statement carried by state media, the presidency said “a joint understanding has been reached between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces on a number of issues concerning the future of Hasakah province,” adding that the SDF has “four days for consultations to develop a detailed plan” for the area’s integration, beginning at 8:00 p.m. (1700 GMT) on Tuesday.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the deal would allow the Syrian state to reassert control over most areas.

Agreement will see government takeover of SDF-controlled areas, and SDF integration into Syrian military.