US ENVOY BARRACK HAILS SYRIA–SDF AGREEMENT AS STEP TOWARD UNITY AND LASTING STABILITY

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Bernama-SANA) -- The US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, described the newly announced agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a “historic milestone” toward national reconciliation and long-term stability, the Syrian Arab News Agency  (SANA) reported.

Barrack said in a post he published on the social media platform X on Friday that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to unity, inclusion, and mutual respect among Syria’s diverse communities.

He noted that the deal, which follows earlier de-escalation efforts, aims to lay the foundations for a more stable and unified state after years of conflict.

Barrack highlighted the Syrian government’s acceptance of a phased integration of SDF military, security, and administrative structures into state institutions, describing it as a signal of the government’s inclusive governance and national partnership.

He also pointed to provisions allowing senior SDF figures to participate in national-level decision-making, saying such steps could strengthen sovereignty while addressing the aspirations of different communities.

The US envoy placed particular emphasis on recent measures affecting Syria’s Kurdish population, including the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 13.

He said the decree—which restores full Syrian citizenship to individuals previously excluded, recognises Kurdish as a national language alongside Arabic, allows its teaching in relevant areas, and establishes protections against discrimination—represents a significant move toward equality and social inclusion.

Barrack praised what he described as the “sacrifices and resilience” of Kurdish communities in confronting extremism and protecting civilians, adding that the new framework could help correct historical injustices and enable fuller participation in Syria’s political and social life.

According to Barrack, the agreement opens the door to rebuilding state institutions, restoring trust between communities, and creating conditions that could attract investment needed for reconstruction.

He concluded that unity achieved through dialogue could help Syria regain stability and play a constructive role in the region.

Earlier on Friday, the Syrian government announced it had reached a ceasefire agreement with the SDF as part of the broader accord, which also includes understandings on the phased integration of military and administrative forces between the two sides.

-- BERNAMA-SANA