Syrian Kurds demonstrate in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeastern Syrian town of Qamishli. (Credit: Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images)
Syria's defense minister said the interim authorities were open to talks with a Kurdish-led group on its dismantling but did not rule out the use of force should negotiations fail.
"The door to negotiation with the [Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces] SDF is currently open," Murhaf Abu Qasra told reporters including AFP, but "if we have to use force, we will be ready."