Canadian delegation, AANES discuss repatriating nationals from Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A Canadian delegation held discussions with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) regarding the repatriation of foreign nationals from families affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) to their countries, the Foreign Relations Department of the AANES said on Monday.
These talks took place during an official visit made by the Canadian delegation to the Foreign Relations Department on August 24, the department said, in a statement.
The Canadian delegation included several politicians, lawyers, and intellectuals, led by Senator Kim Pate from the Canadian Senate. They were received at the Foreign Relations Department by Deputy Co-chairs Fenar al-Kait and Robeil Bahho, as well as Administrative Council members Khalid Ibrahim and Klastan Ali.
The Canadian delegation stated that they “need to see real efforts to ensure the repatriation of Canadians and other foreign nationals from Syria, specifically Canadians residing in camps and detention centers. Canada must play a role in achieving this.”
They further added, “We are aware that the AANES is making important efforts to initiate local trials for those who have committed human rights abuses. This is a huge challenge given the scale and severity of the crimes that have occurred here. Canada and other countries must assist in this matter.”
The delegation emphasized that repatriation, local trials, and international courts would be the most appropriate means to achieve justice. They expressed their commitment to ensuring that Canada plays a central role in advancing this program.
In response, al-Kait discussed the trials of ISIS members previously announced by the AANES and called for support from Canada and the international community to establish fair trials for these individuals and address their pending issues. She described them as a ticking time bomb that threatens the region and the world as a whole.
Regarding the Syrian crisis, al-Kait stated that “the only solution to the Syrian crisis is through intra Syrian dialogue.” She called on the international community to support these efforts and resolve the crisis and conflict in Syria in accordance with UN Resolution 2245.
Al-Kait emphasized that Turkey’s ongoing threats to the region, intensified targeting of civilians and AANES personnel with drones, and continuous shelling without any deterrent from the silent international community all contribute to providing a strong incentive for ISIS to reorganize itself and launch attacks on the positions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the US-led Global Coalition bases.
Canada has so far repatriated 21 of its nationals from northeast Syrian camps and prisons. Several Canadians remain in the region, including former male ISIS members.
Roj and Hawl camps in northeast Syria, run by the SD and AANES, house around 57,300 ISIS-linked individuals, including nearly 10,000 foreigners.
Tens of thousands of women and children of ISIS families from about 60 countries are still in these two camps.