Belgium delegation visits North and East Syria, repatriates 9-year-old child from ISIS family

ZALIN (QAMSHLI), Syria – The External Relations Department of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria received on Friday the Belgian consul to Oman Koen Stevens and his accompanying delegation at its headquarters in Zalin. He was received by Abdel Karim Omar, co-chair of the External Relations Department, and the two vice chairs Fener al-Geit, Abeer Elia (Syriac Union Party), and the DAA’s envoy in Europe Mazgin Ahmed.

The DAA’s Foreign Relations Department issued statement stated that the two sides discussed many political and humanitarian issues related to the region, most notably the necessity of the DAA’s participation in the Syrian political process, resolving the Syrian crisis in accordance to international resolutions and decisions. Moreover, the question was put forward how Belgium can contribute to the Syrian political solution and support the DAA. The two sides confirmed that the violations committed by Turkey against defenseless civilians continue on a daily basis in Cafrin (Afrin), Rish Ayno (Ras al-Ayn) and Tel Abyad. The Belgian delegation agreed that the Turkish forces and the factions supporting them targeted unarmed civilians which is a flagrant violation of international laws.

The meeting also touched on the humanitarian situation of displaced people in refugee camps, the need for UN humanitarian aid to reach its intended destination, and the need to reopen the Tel Kujer- al-Yarubiyah crossing for relief and humanitarian aid to be able enter sooner and more efficient to the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

According to an official handover document signed between the two sides, a 9 year-old Belgian child from an ISIS family was handed over for repatriation to the Belgium delegation.

Article in Arabic