France Reaffirms Support for Kurdish Participation in Syria’s Political Future
France reaffirmed Kurdish inclusion as essential for Syria's political resolution, backing ongoing SDF-Damascus talks. Paris emphasized inclusive dialogue for lasting peace, with French and US diplomats actively mediating despite negotiation complexities.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – France has emphasized the vital importance of Kurdish participation in the Syrian political process, reiterating its stance that a lasting resolution to the conflict requires inclusive dialogue among all Syrians without exclusion.
Speaking to Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath on Friday, Christophe Lemoine, the spokesperson for France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that his country is actively involved in ongoing negotiations between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), noting that “Kurdish involvement in Syria’s political process is essential.”
Dialogue Must Include All Syrians, Says Paris
Lemoine stated that France supports a political transition in Syria that encompasses all components of the society. “The Syrian political process must include every Syrian, without exception,” he said, urging all sides to seize the current opportunity for inclusive dialogue. He also referred to the drawn-out nature of the negotiations between the Syrian government and the SDF, stressing that the delays are due to complex issues requiring careful consensus.
France Participates in Negotiations with U.S. and Syrian Parties
The statement comes just days after a new round of high-level negotiations in Damascus, which brought together delegations from the Syrian transitional government, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), and the SDF. French and American officials also participated in the talks, which concluded without a final agreement but laid the groundwork for future sessions.
U.S. Envoy: “We’re Not Interested in a Rushed Exit”
In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to maintaining its presence in Syria and supporting the SDF as a key partner in the ongoing campaign against ISIS.
“We have no interest in withdrawing in haste. We’ve seen what happens in Afghanistan. There’s no hurry,” Barrack said, confirming that while the U.S. may eventually consolidate its military presence, that decision will be made with careful regard to the evolving situation on the ground.
Support for Integration of the SDF into Syrian Political Structure
Barrack also expressed confidence in the Syrian transitional government’s efforts to integrate the SDF into the country’s future political and military institutions. “We’re committed to ensuring that the SDF has the opportunity to become part of the new government in a respectful way,” he noted.
Despite acknowledging the difficulty the SDF faces in accepting Damascus as the sole political pathway, he asserted, “That’s the reality,” and praised the transitional government for doing “everything in their power to allow that to happen.”
A Step Toward Stability
The participation of both France and the United States in the Damascus negotiations reflects growing international momentum behind efforts to end Syria’s protracted conflict through diplomatic means. As discussions continue, both Western powers have placed particular emphasis on the role of the Kurds, whose contribution to the defeat of ISIS and their political aspirations remain central to shaping Syria’s post-war future.
With regional and global stakeholders at the table, observers believe this phase may signal a significant shift in the dynamics of the Syrian crisis, potentially paving the way for broader reconciliation and sustainable peace.
