French delegation in North and East Syria to evaluate situation in region and develop ties between Autonomous Administration and French civil society

ZALIN, Syria — A French delegation arrived at the headquarters of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria in Zalin (Qamishli) on Tuesday morning.

The delegation consisted of members of the Daniel Mitterand Religious Endowment and the head of Middle East Affairs for the Paris City Council, and the head of the UDR Organization.

The delegation was received by Co-Chair of Foreign Relations Commission Abdulkarim Omar, Deputy Co-Chairs Abeer Elia (Syriac Union Party) and Fener al-Geit, and several others.

During the meeting, the DAA system and model were introduced to the delegation. The economic situation was also discussed, as well as the need for coordination between the DAA and the international community to bring peace and stability to the region.

The Syrian crisis, participation of the DAA in the political process, implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution No. 2254, and the implications of closing the Tel Kochar border crossing were also topics of conversation.

Omar stressed the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities and repatriate and rehabilitate children of Islamic State (ISIS) fighters still in camps in North and East Syria. Their continued presence in an environment of insecurity and extremism poses a threat to society and could contribute to the perpetuation of extremism and terrorism.

Head of the Daniel Mitterand Religious Endowment Jeremy Chaumatier expressed his happiness to visit the region and pointed out that the delegation was in North and East Syria to learn about the situation in the region in light of Turkey’s continued aggression, develop cooperation between the DAA institutions and civil society organizations in France, and witness the achievements and development of the DAA.