Washington: US envoy Tom Barrack announced that Washington is actively engaging with all parties to establish and implement confidence-building measures aimed at fostering trust and ensuring lasting stability in Syria. He emphasized that a key initial step is the complete adherence to the existing ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) group.
According to Anadolu Agency, Barrack conveyed this message through a statement on the US social media platform X, following his meeting with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi. Barrack reiterated the importance of fully upholding the current ceasefire as a foundational move toward stability.
Barrack also reaffirmed the United States' strong support and commitment to advancing the integration process, as outlined in the January 18 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government. This agreement, announced by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, includes a ceasefire with the YPG/SDF group, aimed at integrating its members into Syrian state institutions.
As part of the agreement, the SDF is expected to withdraw its military formations east of the Euphrates River, transferring administrative and security responsibilities in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces to the Syrian state. Additionally, the deal outlines the integration of SDF military and security personnel into the Syrian ministries of Defense and Interior after individual security vetting. It also involves the transfer of control over border crossings, oil and gas fields, and civilian institutions to the Syrian government.
The agreement came after the Syrian Army's military operation regained significant areas in eastern and northeastern Syria. This operation was a response to repeated SDF violations of previous agreements with Damascus, signed nearly a year ago.
On Tuesday, the Defense Ministry declared a four-day ceasefire with the SDF. However, the ceasefire was marred by a series of attacks by the SDF on Syrian positions on its first day, resulting in the death of 11 soldiers and injuries to 25 others.