New Understandings in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh… Organizing the Situation in Aleppo's Kurdish
Neighborhoods The terms of the agreement reflect an attempt to balance the Kurdish community's distinct identity with integration into state institutions, while ensuring protections for residents agai
April 1, 2025, 6:48 pm

New Understandings in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh… Organizing the Situation in Aleppo's Kurdish

الشيخ مقصود

An agreement regarding Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods was reached between the neighborhood councils and Damascus authorities. It includes 14 key points, focusing on fostering coexistence, protecting residents, preventing armed manifestations, and regulating internal security. Implementing this agreement requires practical steps, such as removing barriers and facilitating movement.

Efforts to reach a consensus among the residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh led to an agreement with Damascus authorities, aiming to solidify communal living and enhance civil peace in Aleppo. This agreement marks a significant step in the path of peaceful solutions needed for the region.

The agreement was formulated through coordination between the neighborhoods' civil council and the committee authorized by the Damascus leadership, intending to implement the understanding reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the government. It is considered part of a broader roadmap for achieving stability.

The text of the agreement, of which we obtained a copy, states:

"Agreement text between the Civil Council of Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods and the committee assigned by the Presidential Office to implement the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. Based on the commitment to strengthening coexistence, maintaining civil peace, and achieving the Syrian revolution's objectives of freedom and dignity, and with the belief that consensus among Syria's diverse components is the best way to face current challenges, the following agreement has been reached:

Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods, are administratively part of Aleppo city. Protecting and respecting the social and cultural identity of their residents is essential for fostering peaceful coexistence.

This interim agreement remains in effect until central joint committees agree on a permanent solution.

The Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with internal security forces, is responsible for protecting the neighborhoods' residents and preventing any assaults against them.

To preserve civil peace and civilian safety, armed appearances are banned in the neighborhoods, with weapons restricted to the internal security forces under the Ministry of Interior.

Earth barriers will be removed from public roads while maintaining main checkpoints under the supervision of internal security forces until stability is ensured.

Military forces will withdraw with their weapons to the eastern Euphrates region.

Two internal security centers will be established, one in Ashrafieh and the other in Sheikh Maqsoud.

Freedom of movement is guaranteed for neighborhood residents, and no individual pursued before the agreement—except those involved in bloodshed—shall be persecuted.

A coordination committee will be formed to facilitate movement between Aleppo and areas in northern and eastern Syria.

Committees will be established in the neighborhoods to implement the agreement on the ground.

Civil institutions in the neighborhoods will coordinate with other civil institutions, and services will be provided without discrimination through the two municipal branches in the neighborhoods.

Both parties will release detainees in Aleppo province and exchange all prisoners captured after the liberation.

The neighborhoods will be granted full and fair representation in Aleppo’s provincial council, as well as in chambers of commerce and industry and other fields, in accordance with governing laws.

The existing service, administrative, educational, municipal, and local council institutions in the neighborhoods will remain in place until the central joint committees agree on a lasting solution.

Dated 01/04/2025 Committee representatives: 1. Lt. Col. Mohammed Abdul Ghani 2. Masoud Batal Joint Council Presidency: 1. Nouri Sheikho 2. Hevin Suleiman"

This agreement serves as a positive signal fostering trust between various parties and paving the way for similar dialogues in other regions.

Its provisions indicate a genuine desire to move beyond past conflicts and establish a new phase based on mutual respect and cooperation.

The agreement is a crucial step toward enhancing calm and stability in Aleppo and contributing to the aspirations of the Syrian revolution.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.