UNSC welcomes SDF-Interim Govt agreement, stresses civilian protection

In a statement, Security Council members welcomed the agreement concluded between the SDF and the Syrian government, which provides for a lasting ceasefire, along with arrangements related to civil, economic, administrative, and military integration in North and East Syria. They also praised the commencement of the agreement’s implementation.

They stressed the importance of both parties adhering to the agreement in order to alleviate civilian suffering, guarantee the protection of the population, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and support counterterrorism efforts in which the SDF took part during the war against ISIS in the region.

Council members affirmed the responsibility of the Syrian government to protect all its citizens, including Syrian Kurds. They welcomed the issuance of Decree No. 13 by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aimed at guaranteeing the rights of Syrian Kurds, and encouraged further progress in integrating Kurdish representatives into the Syrian government and facilitating the return of displaced Kurds to their areas of origin.

Members also welcomed the Syrian government’s commitments and recent measures to combat ISIS and al-Qaeda, as well as Syria’s adherence to relevant Security Council counterterrorism resolutions, expressing appreciation for the significant sacrifices made during the war against ISIS in North and East Syria.

The Council called on all parties to avoid any security vacuum in and around detention facilities holding ISIS fighters in North and East Syria, expressing concern over reports of some detainees escaping from these centers.

Security Council members further commended the vital role played by other partners, including the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, in confronting the ISIS threat. They welcomed the Iraqi government’s initiative and international cooperation to temporarily detain ISIS terrorists in facilities under Iraqi control.

The Council urged member states to coordinate with the governments of Iraq and Syria regarding detainees who are third-country nationals, encouraging the development of safe transitional plans for managing detention centers and displacement camps housing ISIS affiliates, alongside strengthened international coordination to mitigate terrorism risks.

Members also welcomed the efforts of the United Nations to access displacement camps in the region and resume humanitarian assistance, as well as the facilitation provided by the Syrian government in this regard.

In conclusion, the Security Council reaffirmed its firm commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, calling on all states to respect these principles and refrain from any interference that could further destabilize the country.

The Council also stressed the importance of international support for the Syrian government during its transitional phase, including in counterterrorism efforts, urging member states to enhance coordination with Damascus in this regard. 

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ANHA