U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Rayburn: involving the components of North and East Syria is necessary to achieve stability in the region

During a video conference and commenting on potential renewed aggression by Turkey on the regions of North and East Syria, U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Joel Rayburn stated that the components of North and East Syria must have a voice in the broader political process and talks on the new Syrian constitution in Geneva. It is necessary to open the door to dialogue between all components of the region to achieve stability, said Rayburn. Rayburn added that his country will use its influence to uphold the ceasefire agreement. He mentioned imposing sanctions on the Turkish regime as a possibility.

In terms of the U.S. partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in fighting the Islamic State, Rayburn confirmed that Washington is committed to continue the anti-terror campaign; “U.S. support for the SDF will not change and the situation is much better than it was previously.”

He also noted that the Syrian government is consciously slowing down the process and underestimating the work of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, stressing that any elections that the Syrian government might conduct unilaterally are automatically illegal and outside the framework of the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254.