UN chief welcomes Syria-YPG ceasefire, urging sides to 'fully uphold their commitments'

HAMILTON, Canada

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed a ceasefire agreement Friday between the Syrian government and the YPG terror group, operating under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), urging full implementation.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and expresses appreciation to all those who worked to support it," according to a statement by Guterres' spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Saying that the UN chief "appeals for all sides to work swiftly to ensure the implementation of the agreement," the statement underscored the "peaceful integration of northeast Syria, the rights of Syrian Kurds, the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the displaced, and to come together in efforts to rebuild the country."

"He urges all sides to fully uphold their commitments, to prioritize the stabilization of Syria and the wider region, and to ensure that civilians are protected and able to live safely, in dignity, and free from fear," it added.

The Syrian government and the YPG terror organization, operating under SDF, reached a new comprehensive agreement Friday that includes a ceasefire and a framework for the group’s gradual integration into military and administrative structures.

The 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.