On the evening of Monday 19 January, EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, welcomed the ceasefire between the Syrian interim authorities and the mainly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), describing it as a “vital step to prevent the country from sliding back into turmoil and to consolidate state functions”.
“All military activities must cease immediately, de-escalation commitments must be fully respected, and civilians must be protected”, she argued in a statement. Despite the ceasefire, three soldiers were killed on Monday in clashes with Kurdish forces.
Stressing that the EU’s goal was a genuinely inclusive political transition in Syria, Ms Kallas said that, for this to happen, the integration of military, security and civilian institutions into unified state structures, alongside meaningful political and local participation was essential. She recalled that full protection of Kurdish rights was also crucial.
The High Representative also considered that Syria’s renewed commitment to counterterrorism within the framework of the Global Coalition was important to counter any resurgence of ISIS. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)