EU welcomes deal to integrate SDF within Syrian state institutions

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The European Union on Wednesday welcomed a new agreement between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Ferhad Abdi Sahin, the ringleader of the terrorist group PKK/YPG in Syria, also known as the SDF, aimed at integrating Syrian Arab Republic institutions and securing territorial unity.

"This agreement could pave the way for increased stability and a better future for many Syrians. We encourage the parties to work on implementation and we stand ready to support," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a statement.

She also said that Syria’s National Dialogue, which started in the end of February, should be instrumental to ensure that the transition delivers on the aspirations of all the components of Syrian society.

"Comprehensive transitional justice in particular is essential on the path to reconciliation and to building a peaceful Syria and an inclusive political transition,” she said.

On Monday, the Syrian Presidency announced the signing of an agreement integrating the SDF into the institutions of the Syrian Arab Republic, reinforcing national unity and rejecting any division of the country.

Citing the bloc's recent suspension of restrictive measures as part of a "gradual, reversible approach," Kallas said the EU will continue to examine possible further sanctions suspensions.

"The EU once again calls for the full respect of Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," she underlined.

- 'We welcome the commitments made by transitional authorities'

Turning to recent incidents in Syria’s coastal region, Kallas said the EU is "gravely alarmed by the widespread violence."

"We strongly condemn the attacks by pro-Assad militias against security forces," said Kallas, adding that the bloc also condemns "horrific crimes" committed against civilians.

"We welcome the commitments made by the transitional authorities, and in particular the establishment of an investigative committee, in order to hold the perpetrators accountable in line with international law norms and standards," she said.

Kallas stressed that the EU calls for a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to be done to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Last week, Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus witnessed coordinated attacks by loyalists of the deposed Assad regime. These were the most intense assaults since the regime’s collapse, targeting security patrols and checkpoints, resulting in casualties.

After the collapse of the Assad regime in December, the new Syrian authorities launched an initiative to settle the status of former regime members in the military and security forces, contingent on their surrendering weapons and remaining untainted by bloodshed.

While tens of thousands accepted the initiative, some armed groups made up of regime remnants, particularly in the coastal region where high-ranking Assad officers were stationed, rejected it.

"We call on the transitional authorities to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations," Kallas added.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period on Jan. 29.