Paris Calls for Integration of Kurds in Syrian Political Process

Paris Calls for Integration of Kurds in Syrian Political Process
The French position reflects a commitment to linking any support for Syria's new administration with political and security guarantees preserving rights of all components
December 18, 2024, 9:16 pm

قسد

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot began his statements to parliament by affirming that easing sanctions and providing reconstruction support to Syria is contingent on specific political and security commitments from Damascus's new leadership, emphasizing that assessment of transitional authorities will be based on their practical actions rather than statements.

The minister revealed France's readiness to host an expanded meeting on Syria bringing together Arab, Turkish, and Western partners next January, explaining Paris's efforts to mediate between Turkey and Kurds in northeastern Syria to ensure both parties' interests.

Barrot stressed the need to "guarantee rights" of Kurdish partners in Syria, considering them "a very important element in fighting ISIS," confirming that President Macron demanded in his call with his Turkish counterpart Erdogan the involvement of Syrian Kurds in the political process.

The French minister considered that Syrian Democratic Forces should be a party in the transitional phase, calling for an immediate cessation of clashes in Manbij and Kobani in northeastern Syria.

The Élysée Palace statement reported that Macron and Erdogan "expressed their desire for a peaceful and representative political transition (of society's spectrum), according to Resolution 2254 principles, and respect for fundamental rights of all Syrians, as soon as possible."

These developments coincided with the UN Security Council's call for implementing a comprehensive Syrian-led political process following the previous regime's fall, demanding empowerment of the Syrian people to determine their fate, while urging Syria and its neighbors to avoid destabilizing regional security.

Levant-Agencies

Protests in Tartous Accuse "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" of Protecting Criminals Trump Administration Opposes Removing "Tahrir al-Sham" from Terrorism Lists