European MP: Kobani siege blocks January 29 agreement

Member of the European Parliament from Denmark’s Unified List Party, Pierre Callosen, sees the January 29 agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Interim Government as an important first step toward calming the situation and opening the way for a political solution in Syria. However, it still faces challenges and obstacles that prevent full implementation of its provisions.

The agreement, officially announced on January 30, stipulates a ceasefire, the beginning of repositioning military and internal security forces in the Jazira region and Kobani, as well as integrating institutions and securing staff positions. It also includes guarantees for the return of displaced persons to unify territories and strengthen stability.

Pierre Callosen explained that reaching a formal agreement is a correct and necessary step to stop escalating violence in Syria. He pointed out that the agreement was not made between two equal parties but under significant pressure from the new authorities in Damascus, along with other Turkish and external pressures on Rojava areas.

He noted that the agreement has somewhat calmed the situation but has not succeeded in stopping military and political pressures on other areas, such as Kobani. At the same time, it provided an opportunity to continue negotiations to reach broader political understandings on Syria’s future.

On unimplemented provisions, the European parliamentarian stressed the importance of lifting the siege on Kobani and holding accountable those responsible for crimes against civilians, seeing these steps as essential for actual implementation of the agreement.

On obstacles hindering the agreement’s implementation, Callosen highlighted that one of the main challenges is the Syrian Interim Government’s readiness to recognize what Rojava achieved in local governance over the past years, in addition to ongoing concerns about Turkish interventions in the region.

Callosen warned that continued delays in implementing the agreement’s provisions could strengthen the position of the Damascus authority due to international support it receives, while weakening Rojava in the face of political and military pressures from several parties, primarily Turkey. He emphasized the need to support the democratic experiment that emerged in northern and eastern Syria and to acknowledge its achievements in local governance.

ANHA