US urges implementation of Damascus-Kurd agreement despite challenges
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that an agreement between the Syrian government and Kurdish authorities must be implemented despite expected difficulties, emphasizing continued efforts to stabilize northeast Syria and address security concerns related to ISIS detainees.
Rubio made the remarks during a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, where he addressed ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Syria’s political and security arrangements.
“The agreement between the Syrian authorities and the Kurds must be implemented, and it will not be easy,” Rubio said, according to statements delivered during the conference.
He added that US President Donald Trump had called for halting hostilities in northeast Syria to allow progress on security coordination and detainee management. “President Trump demanded a ceasefire in northeast Syria so that we can transfer ISIS prisoners and reintegrate Kurdish forces into government forces,” Rubio stated.
The US official stressed that broader agreements were also necessary across Syria’s diverse communities, noting the importance of dialogue involving Druze, Bedouins, Alawites, and other components of Syrian society.
“It is necessary to reach agreements with the Druze, the Bedouins, the Alawites, and all components of Syria’s diverse society,” he said.
Rubio concluded his remarks by expressing cautious optimism regarding developments in Syria. “We believe things are moving in the right direction in Syria, although there are difficult and worrying days ahead,” he said.