WASHINGTON DC - The United States on Thursday reiterated its support for the integration of the pro-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the interim government in Damascus, a State Department spokesperson told Rudaw.
“Discussions on the integration of the SDF into the Syrian government are ongoing and active. We support the continuation of these discussions as the best way to resolve any outstanding issues,” said the spokesperson in response to a question via email.
“We remain focused on implementing President Trump's vision for Syria and as Secretary Rubio said, "providing the Syrian government with the chance to promote peace and stability, both within Syria and in Syria’s relations with its neighbors,” added the spokesperson.
The statement comes a day after US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack told Rudaw that the SDF has been “slow” in negotiating with the Syrian government, asserting that federalism in Syria “doesn’t work.”
His remarks, which soon sparked outrage among Kurds on social media, came after meeting Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi in Damascus to discuss the implementation of the March 10 agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava).
Abdi and Sharaa signed the landmark agreement to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus. The agreement recognizes the Kurds as an integral part of Syria, includes a countrywide ceasefire, and stipulates the return of displaced Syrians to their hometowns.
“Regarding Syria, Ambassador Barrack and this administration have been clear: the path forward for Syria lies in unity and through resolving long standing divides that have historically pulled the country apart,” asserted the State Department spokesperson.
