French FM calls for Kurdish integration in Syrian political process
The French diplomat also urged Syria's new administration to begin an inclusive dialogue encompassing all components of Syrian society.
Jan. 3, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot underscored the significance of Kurdish integration into the Syrian state during his diplomatic visit to Damascus on Friday,
The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also arrived in Damascus to accompany the French Foreign Minister for talks with new Syrian leadership.
Prior to their planned meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Commander-in-Chief of Syria's new administration, Barrot met with Syrian civil society activists where he expressed France's position on Kurdish participation.
"The Kurds must be integrated into the Syrian state," Barrot stated.
The French diplomat also urged Syria's new administration to begin an inclusive dialogue encompassing all components of Syrian society.
"We urge the new Syrian administration to begin a dialogue that brings together all segments of the Syrian people," he underlined.
As part of their diplomatic mission, both ministers visited the notorious Saydnaya prison in Damascus.
German envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, shared pictures from inside the facility on his X (formerly Twitter) account, describing the scenes within Saydnaya as "indescribably horrific."
The Kurdish question remains a central element in Syria's political landscape.
Kurdish forces have upheld noteworthy autonomy in northeastern Syria throughout the civil war, operating under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) banner with support from Western allies, including France.
The diplomatic visit to Saydnaya prison, known for its history of human rights abuses under the Assad regime, indicates Western interest in Syria's approach to detention facilities and human rights under the new leadership.
