The Syrian Foreign Ministry strongly denounced the visit an illegal violation of the country’s territorial integrity
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on 18 July condemning a visit to northern Syria by a French delegation earlier this month.
The visit took place on 10 July, during which a delegation from France’s Foreign Ministry – which entered the country illegally – met with the Executive Council of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
“The meeting of the French delegation with separatist organizations constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and shows once again France’s destructive role and entrenched hostility to Syria, and France’s full partnership in the aggression against Syria through its support for terrorist groups and separatist militias,” the statement read.
“Syria reminds the French government that the fight against terrorism is in cooperation with the Syrian state that faced this terrorism, and not in cooperation with the separatist organizations that formed a cover for the French government and unites it with one goal, which is hostility to Syria and its people, violation of its sovereignty and harm to its territorial integrity,” the statement adds.
The statement refers mainly to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who – in coordination with the US occupation – maintain control over Syria’s oilfields under the pretext of combatting ISIS.
The Syrian ministry went on to “condemn these reckless behaviors of the French government and demand that it respects international legitimacy.”
The SDF has also received French support over the years. Alongside the Asayish security service, the SDF acts essentially as the military force of the AANES – which constitutes the northern and northeastern, energy-rich region of Syria. It is not recognized by Syria’s legitimate government.
Closely linked to the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the SDF is regularly targeted by the Turkish military, which also illegally occupies Syria in coordination with its proxy militia, the Syrian National Army (SNA).
While Syria has recently held negotiations with AANES officials and SDF representatives regarding the future of the de facto autonomous zone, the two sides have been unable to reach a compromise.
According to sources who spoke with Al-Akhbar last month, the SDF is frustrated with Damascus’ failure to respond to their proposals for a political solution in Syria.
The SDF has expressed its hope for a solution that preserves its identity, as well as some semblance of autonomy.
In April, SDF chief Mazloum Abdi expressed an openness to merging with the Syrian army, but only in line with an agreement that would preserve its “special status.”
While differences run deep, Damascus and the Kurdish movement in Syria are both categorically opposed to the Turkish occupation, and have coordinated with each other to oppose Ankara’s violation of Syrian sovereignty.
However, Damascus recently warned the Kurds that for an end to the Turkish occupation to be realized, and for Syria to restore full territorial integrity, the SDF must “disengage from the Americans,” Al-Akhbar newspaper said in June, citing Syrian government sources.
SYRIA 360° INTERNATIONALIST 