Iraq says Syria-SDF ceasefire could support stability and political process

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it welcomes the agreement reached on a comprehensive ceasefire between the Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, describing it as a development that could support stability and the political process in Syria.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the ministry said it “welcomes the reaching of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces,” adding that the agreement includes “understandings that provide for the integration of the institutions of the Autonomous Administration into the institutions of the Syrian state.”

The ministry said these measures would “contribute to enhancing stability and supporting the path of a political solution in Syria.”

According to the statement, the agreement “represents a positive step that reflects the importance of prioritizing the language of dialogue and understanding among all Syrian parties,” and helps ensure “the protection of the rights of all Syrian components and guaranteeing their fair participation in state institutions, on the basis of citizenship and peaceful coexistence.”

Syria’s government and the Kurdish-led SDF reached a broad agreement Friday to gradually integrate Kurdish military and civil institutions into the state after weeks of clashes that ended in a ceasefire.

The deal came after assaults by the Syrian regime and allied Islamist militias on the Kurds, during which Kurdish forces withdrew from large areas and were repositioned into Kurdish-majority zones after years of influence across much of northern and northeastern Syria.

Under the agreement, Syrian government forces are to enter the northeastern cities of Hasakeh and Qamishlo, and three Syrian army brigades are to be formed from SDF units. A separate brigade is to be created for Kobani in northern Syria, according to the terms released by the two sides.