U.S. Envoy in Damascus: Sanctions lifted to give Syria chance

Barak said that President Trump sees the current phase as a pivotal opportunity to build a new, unified Syria that respects all its communities, including Arabs, Kurds, Druze, Christians, Alawites, Turkmen, and Assyrians, ensuring their active participation in government and security institutions.

In this context, he pointed out that the U.S. President agreed to lift sanctions on Syria to give the country a chance to move forward toward stability and reconstruction.

Barak noted that the U.S. has consistently supported efforts to defeat ISIS and enhance stability in Syria, including through "Operation Steadfast" and its partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose sacrifices have contributed decisively to achieving sustainable gains in counter-terrorism.

He also stated that the Syrian government renewed its commitment to the integration agreement signed with the SDF on March 10, 2025, which sets a framework for integrating these forces into national institutions while safeguarding Kurdish rights and strengthening Syria’s unity and sovereignty.

The U.S. envoy expressed his country’s deep concern over recent developments in Aleppo, which he said appear inconsistent with the integration agreement, calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease hostilities, and return to dialogue based on the March 10 and April 1, 2025 agreements between the Interim Government and the SDF. He warned that continued violence could undermine progress made since the fall of the Ba’ath regime and open the door to external interventions that serve no party’s interests.

Barak confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s team is ready to facilitate constructive engagement between the Interim Government and the SDF to promote a comprehensive and responsible integration process that respects Syria’s unity, affirms the principle of a single sovereign state, and supports the goal of having one legitimate national army.

He stressed that the ultimate goal is a sovereign, unified Syria enjoying internal peace and good relations with its neighbors while guaranteeing equality, justice, and equal opportunities for all its citizens.

Barak called on Syria’s neighboring countries and the international community to support this vision and provide the cooperation and assistance necessary to turn it into a tangible reality.

a.k

ANHA