Statement from Special Representative Barrack after his visit to Syria

Barrack made an assessment to the Associated Press (AP) news agency after his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Shara and PKK/YPG leader Ferhat Abdi Şahin in the capital Damascus.

Barrack pointed out that the PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDF, insists on existing as a separate bloc within the Syrian army, and said that this situation continues to be a "major problem" between the parties.

Barrack argued that "two parties who have been separated for some time and perhaps have been in an adversarial relationship for some time" need to build that trust step by step.

Barrack said the Damascus government had "done a fantastic job" in presenting options for the PKK/YPG to consider, adding, "I hope they get it done, and I hope they do it quickly."

Barrack noted that the Washington administration has full confidence in the Syrian government and its army.

Barrack claimed that the PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDF in Syria, is a "valuable partner" in the fight against ISIS, and stated that they "want to ensure they have the opportunity to integrate respectfully into the new government."

Regarding the process of reducing the number of US troops deployed in Syria, Barrack added that Washington was "not in a rush" to withdraw completely.

Speaking about possible progress in the normalization talks between Syria and Israel, Barrack said, "My feeling about what's happening in the neighborhood is that this needs to happen and it will happen gradually, like peeling back the skin of an onion, as the region gains trust in each other."

Syrian President Ahmed Shara signed an agreement with Ferhat Abdi Şahin, one of the leaders of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, on March 10.

The agreement stipulates a ceasefire across all Syrian territory, and that the Kurdish community will be an integral part of the state and that its citizenship and constitutional rights will be guaranteed.

The agreement is expected to include the integration of civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria into the Syrian state administration.

AA, DHA