By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - The EU and several European countries welcomed a ceasefire agreement Friday between the Syrian government and the YPG terror group, operating under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), calling for a permanent ceasefire and full implementation of the deal to protect civilians and support an inclusive political transition.
“We call on all parties to implement it in a spirit of good faith and compromise," said EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni, in a statement.
The EU stressed that "a full cessation of hostilities is needed to enable the provision of humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians and the return of internally displaced persons," adding that stability in northeast Syria is key to a successful political transition.
It also urged all sides to ensure the security of camps and detention facilities and prevent a resurgence of Daesh.
The bloc expressed a readiness to support the implementation of the agreement.
Switzerland echoed the EU’s position, saying the agreement provides "a framework for a ceasefire and for advancing an inclusive political transition." The Foreign Ministry, in a post on US social media platform X, encouraged continued efforts toward "a country for all Syrians."
Germany also welcomed the deal with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson saying that "the peaceful integration of the SDF into state structures is an important step on the path toward a unified and inclusive Syria," adding that it is a prerequisite for sustainable stabilization and economic recovery.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel hailed the agreement on X, stating that "the permanent ceasefire, along with commitments on integration, Kurdish rights, and the return of displaced people, marks an important step toward a stable and united Syria."
Spain, for its part, said in a statement that the agreement is "an indispensable step for Syria’s stability, to end violence, advance toward a definitive cessation of hostilities, and expand humanitarian access," reaffirming its commitment to "a peaceful, inclusive political transition fully respectful of the rights of all Syrians."
French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that Paris supports "a sovereign, united and stable Syria," welcoming the "comprehensive agreement allowing a permanent ceasefire and the peaceful integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces."
Macron pledged France’s support for its full implementation.
The Syrian government and the YPG terror organization on Friday reached a new comprehensive agreement that includes a ceasefire and a framework for the group’s gradual integration into military and administrative structures.
The Syrian Army launched an operation against the YPG on Jan. 16 in areas west of the Euphrates River. The operation later expanded east of the river with the participation of tribal forces, leading to most of the territories previously occupied by the group coming under government control.
A previous ceasefire and full integration agreement reached Jan. 18 between Damascus and the YPG included provisions for the group’s full withdrawal from the eastern provinces of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, the transfer of public institutions in Hasakah to state authority, the placement of all border crossings and energy resources under central government control, and the individual integration of YPG elements into security forces.
Clashes resumed Jan. 19 after the YPG refused to comply with the agreement. The government announced Jan. 20 that it had declared a ceasefire and granted the group four days to proceed with integration.