A radical shift in the Russian vision of a political solution in Syria

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Head of the Syriac National Council and co-chief of the US Mission of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in Washington, D.C. Bassam Said Ishak, praised the statements of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, in which he stressed the need for the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria to participate in the negotiations for a Syrian political solution.

In a radical change in the Russian attitude towards a political solution in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov confirmed during an interview on RT the need for the DAA of North and East Syria to participate in the constitutional reform process in Syria, adding that this would prevent any accusations of secession.

Bogdanov indicated that the SDC and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) control very large areas east of the Euphrates, relying on the U.S. presence, and that this raises Russia’s concern.

In this regard, and commenting on Bogdanov’s statements, Ishak said:

“The Council appreciates the new Russian step, which emphasizes the importance of the participation of the DAA and the SDC in the negotiations aimed at finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

The DAA and the SDC have always called for the necessity of involving all components of the Syrian people and its representatives in the reform and political process aimed at shaping the future Syria.”

Ishak added that the U.S. administration also considers the new Russian decision as positive, and will contribute to resolving the Syrian crisis.