Delegation from US State Department confirms continued support for North and East Syria

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — During a meeting with officials of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria, a delegation from the US State Department confirmed the continuation of American support for the region politically, militarily, and economically.

The US delegation was led by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs Ethan Goldrich and included a team specialized in civil and humanitarian affairs, terrorism, and deportation of foreign nationals.

They were received by Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Commission Badran Jia Kurd Deputy Co-Chairs Rubel Baho and Fanr al-Kait, and member of the Commission Administrative Body Golestan Ali.

The two sides discussed the current situation in the region, the status of camps and deporting foreigners from camps, common challenges in confronting terrorism, and ways to increase stability.

Jia Kurd said that, “the international community should bear the responsibility of families of the Islamic State by supporting stability programs in the region, in addition to humanitarian, political, and economic support, and developing long-term plans for foreign nationals detained in Al-Hol and other camps.

He stressed that the DAA cooperates with all countries wishing to return their nationals and stressed the need for the international community to repatriate those still in camps in North and East Syria and ensure they are tried for their crimes.

Goldrich expressed the United States’ gratitude for the continuous cooperation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) and the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) and stressed the continuation of this cooperation until the final elimination of ISIS.

Goldrich added that it is very important to maintain the security and stability of the region, stating that Washington has long-term plans for the fight against terrorism, including supporting camps and prisons, setting up humanitarian support programs, and allocating a special budget for the region.