Future Syria Party warns closure of crossings threatens national dialogue

The closure of crossings linking North and East Syria with other Syrian regions—such as the Salamiyah–Tabqa and Deir Hafer–Aleppo crossings—has caused a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, making it difficult for residents to move and secure basic needs.

In a statement to ANHA Agency, Ahmad Al-Khalaf, the member of the Future Syria Party’s General Council, said:

“The closure of the crossings came suddenly and unilaterally after the signing of the March 10, 2025, agreement between the Transitional Government, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the Autonomous Administration. The agreement included eight clauses aimed at achieving political, military, administrative, and economic integration between state institutions and the Autonomous Administration.”

He added:“ This measure can only be seen as a political pressure tactic that does not serve the national interest but instead increases people’s suffering and deepens divisions among Syrians—especially at a time when sensitive negotiations are ongoing between the Transitional Government and the Autonomous Administration, particularly on the military file.”

Al-Khalaf explained that the closure of crossings “has halted the movement of patients and students, restricted civilians’ mobility, caused a severe shortage of medicines, and raised prices of basic foodstuffs—making citizens’ lives even harder. Crossings are not political bargaining chips; they are lifelines that connect Syrians with one another and must be kept away from political conflicts.”

He pointed out that “there is still no clear evidence about who is behind the decision to close the crossings—whether it was approved by the Interim Government or carried out by undisciplined factions. The government must assume full responsibility, take immediate measures to reopen the crossings, and hold accountable those responsible for this situation.”

He stressed:“We in the Future Syria Party believe that the solution to the Syrian crisis lies only in Syrian–Syrian dialogue. The Transitional Government must fulfill its responsibilities toward all Syrians and investigate the real reasons behind the closure of these crossings. If undisciplined factions are responsible, they ultimately fall under the Ministry of Defense, which must take the necessary actions against them. Continuing this situation only complicates the political scene and entrenches division—an unhealthy trend at this critical stage.”

Al-Khalaf concluded:“We affirm that the next stage must focus on dialogue, reason, and prioritizing the public interest so that all measures and negotiations serve the Syrian people and the building of a democratic, pluralistic, decentralized Syria that includes all its diverse and brotherly components. This is what the Syrian revolution has fought for since its beginning.”

ANHA