The Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached an agreement on Monday to merge all civil and military institutions in the Kurdish-controlled regions of Syria into centralized state institutions. The agreement recognizes the Kurdish ethnic minority as an integral part of Syria and guarantees the rights of all citizens to political representation and participation. It also emphasizes a nationwide ceasefire and rejects any division of the country. The agreement's implementation is due by the end of the year. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, who signed the deal with Interim President Ahmad Alsharaa in Damascus on Monday, called it a real opportunity to build a new Syria. The agreement has been widely welcomed by Syrians, who hope it will help end hostilities with Türkiye and its allied armed groups, shift focus toward combating IS, and pave the way for similar agreements with other minorities, such as the Alawites, who control territory that has recently experienced unrest and mass killings. Shotlist: Damascus, Syria - March 11, 2025: 1. Screen shot of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi's announcement; FILE: Damascus, Syria - Dec 6, 2024 2. Various of cityscape; Damascus, Syria - March 11, 2025 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Majed Mkheiber, political analyst (partially overlaid with shot 4): "The agreement marks a significant step toward unifying Syria, putting an end to the country's 14 years of fracture. The inclusion of the Kurds, who make up about 10 percent of Syria's population, is expected to bring greater legitimacy to the upcoming transitional government. Northeastern Syria, where the Kurdish-led SDF has maintained an autonomous administration, is rich in oil and wheat. Sharing these vital resources could provide a much-needed boost to the country's crippled economy."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Various of buildings, traffic; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Syria - 2024 5. Various of crowded street, traffic, pedestrians; 6. Various of residents picking vegetables at open fair; 7. Various of flatbread sellers. [Restriction - No Access Chinese Mainland/Orient TV/Syria Alshaab TV/Zanoubia TV/Alhurra TV/ANN TV/Al Jazeera/ Al-Arabiya TV]