June 11, 2024

President of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Badr Jamous, and several Commission members met in Geneva on Tuesday with Mr. Ethan Goldrich, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and an accompanying delegation that included several advisors. The discussion focused on issues affecting Syrians in northern Syria.

Commission members Jihad Maraie, Fadwa Al-Ujaili, and Ibrahim Berro also attended the meeting. Jamous emphasized that one of the Commission’s primary goals is to unify the Syrian opposition, foster partnerships and cooperation with Syrian civil society organizations, and develop a strategic plan to revive the stalled political process by unifying positions and coordinating the roles of opposition and civil society pressure groups.

Jamous noted that the Commission aims to create an advisory body with capabilities in research, analysis, and strategic thinking. Members will be chosen based on experience, focusing on “technocratic” work to present new papers, ideas, and studies on political solutions that can be discussed and implemented.

Jamous also highlighted the Commission’s commitment to deepening communication, consultation, and partnership with Syrian forces on the ground, including civil society organizations, revolutionary forces, activists, displaced persons, tribes, politicians, students, youth, and professional and scientific unions and syndicates. He mentioned the continuous visits and meetings of the Commission’s leadership and members inside Syria and their special interest in the education sector, as part of efforts to expand communication with all Syrians and ensure the future of youth.

Jamous denounced the so-called elections that the Autonomous Administration is planning to hold in northeastern Syria, appreciating the American role in stopping them. He expressed hope that these elections will be canceled, as they serve to divide the country and lack legal and legitimate basis.

Commission member Ibrahim Berro discussed the intra-Kurdish dialogue, citing the PYD’s reluctance to establish a balanced, rational, and national dialogue. He highlighted the PYD’s negative practices in northeastern Syria, including oppression, daily arrests, forced conscription, kidnapping, and the burning and sabotage of Kurdish National Council offices. Berro called on the United States to press for an end to the repressive practices of the de facto authorities in northeastern Syria.

Commission member Jihad Maraie spoke about the Syrian Tribal Council, which includes 84 members from different Syrian tribes. He mentioned the fifth conference of the Syrian Tribal Council, held recently in the town of Azaz, where more than 600 women participated, reaffirming support for the tribal communities in northeastern Syria and opposing control by the SDF oppressive militia.

Mr. Goldrich stated that the United States had discussed the elections with the Syrian Democratic Forces and informed them that the timing is not appropriate for any elections, promising to push for further postponement. He also indicated that the US rejects child recruitment and is working towards a solution. Goldrich emphasized the importance of launching the intra-Kurdish dialogue and pressing for its improvement based on more rational and logical foundations. He stressed that the United States is aware of the conditions in northern Syria and is working to improve the situation until the full and strict implementation of UN Resolution 2254.