U.S. pushes for SDF-Damascus-Ankara talks
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A U.S. Department of State official revealed on Saturday that the United States is mediating discussions involving Syria, Turkey, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In an exclusive interview with Asharq news channel, Barbara Leaf, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, disclosed that her government advised the leadership of the SDF and other Kurdish civilian leaders to move toward engaging with Damascus and join the negotiation table.
This process has taken place since the morning of December 8, through military and civilian channels, Leaf indicated.
She affirmed that high-level talks between Damascus and the SDF have already begun.
“We are also in intensive dialogue with Turkish authorities, General Mazloum Abdi, and, of course, Damascus,” Leaf stated. “The goal is to achieve Syrian-Syrian integration and to stabilize the fragile situation in northeast Syria.”
She expressed hope that this can be achieved through a ceasefire, which would allow the reconciliation process to proceed.
Regarding the future of U.S. forces in Syria, Leaf emphasized that this decision would rest with the next administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
“The decision will align carefully with our national security objectives,” she noted. “These include ensuring that ISIS remains under constant pressure and is unable to pose a threat to our homeland or the region.”
The U.S. official highlighted ongoing regional shifts, describing the developments as part of a “new Middle East and a new Syria.”
She also addressed sanctions on Syria, some of which were temporarily eased last week. “The goal of this temporary relief is to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid, enable certain energy-related transactions, and support Syria during this sensitive stage as part of a collective international effort,” Leaf explained.
Leaf underscored that the incoming administration would need to make several key decisions regarding sanctions policy on Syria.