DAA delegation meets Finnish Foreign Minister to discuss situation in North and East Syria

HELSINKI – A delegation from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAA) met Friday evening the Finnish Foreign Minister Mr. Pekka Haavisto at the Finnish Foreign Ministry building in Helsinki. The delegation included Nazira Goreya, Co-President of the Executive Council in Jazira Region, Abdulkarim Omar, Co-Chair of the Office of Foreign Relations, Fener al-Geit, Deputy Co-Chair of the Office of Foreign Relations, and Shayar Ali, Representative of the DAA in Scandinavia.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged opinions about the overall situation in Syria, especially in the northeastern regions after the Turkish invasion in October 2019, and the current situation IDPs in the region. The delegation stressed the necessity of the Turkish withdrawal and the role of Finland in a political solution for all of Syria. The delegation advocated for the deployment of international peace-keeping forces into North and East Syria to create a safe environment for the return of IDPs to their homes.

The delegation also confirmed that the DAA is planning to establish a local court to prosecute Islamic State (ISIS) fighters detained in the region. Moreover, European ISIS members detained in DAA territory amounts to some 10,000 people, representing 20% of all detained ISIS members in the DAA. The need to provide the necessary aid through local and international organizations was also discussed.

The Finnish Foreign Minister confirmed Finland’s dissatisfaction with the Turkish threats, pointing out the statement issued by the Ministry condemning the Turkish aggression and prohibits the selling of weapons to Turkey. He also confirmed their refusal of any demographic change, welcoming the return of refugees to their original areas by their own free will.

After the conclusion of the meeting, a press conference was held in the presence of the media.