By Mohammad Sio
ISTANBUL (AA) - Saudi Arabia welcomed Syria’s announcement Friday of a ceasefire agreement with the YPG/SDF terror organization under a comprehensive agreement.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the kingdom welcomed the government’s announcement on the ceasefire with the SDF, hoping it would contribute to advancing Syria’s path toward peace, security and stability in a way that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and strengthens national unity.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full support for efforts undertaken by the Syrian government to preserve the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, according to a statement.
The ministry also praised “the positive response” of the Syrian government and the SDF to Saudi mediation efforts, as well as the role played by the US in helping to consolidate the ceasefire and reach the agreement.
Earlier, the Syrian government and the SDF reached a comprehensive agreement that includes a ceasefire and a framework for the group’s gradual integration into military and administrative structures, Syrian state television reported.
Alikhbariah TV, citing government sources, said the agreement outlines a ceasefire between government forces and SDF elements, along with the phased integration of their military and administrative bodies.
As part of the deal, the sides agreed on “the withdrawal of military forces from contact lines and the deployment of security forces affiliated with the Syrian Interior Ministry into the city centers of Hasakah and Qamishli, with the aim of reinforcing stability.”
The agreement also stipulates “the launch of an integration process for security forces in the region, the formation of a military division incorporating three brigades affiliated with the SDF, and the establishment of a brigade linked to Ayn al-Arab forces within a division subordinate to Aleppo province.”
It includes the merger of the so-called autonomous administration institutions in areas under SDF occupation with state institutions, while maintaining the employment status of civilian staff.
The parties also agreed on regulating the civil and educational rights of Syria’s Kurdish community and ensuring the return of displaced people to their home areas.
The agreement aims to preserve Syria’s territorial unity, enforce the rule of law and strengthen cooperation among relevant parties to achieve full integration in the region, as well as to unify efforts for the country’s reconstruction, according to the report.
The Syrian Army launched an operation against the SDF 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 SDF included provisions for the group’s complete 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 SDF elements into security forces.
Clashes resumed Jan. 19 after the SDF 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.