ISTANBUL

The UN Security Council welcomed a comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including a permanent ceasefire and arrangements for the integration of northeast Syria, according to an official statement.

Council members said Thursday they welcomed the agreement covering the “civil, economic, administrative, and military integration of northeast Syria” and noted that “implementation is already underway.”

They stressed “the need for the parties to adhere to their agreement in order to minimize civilian suffering,” support counterterrorism efforts against the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist organization, ensure the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access, and continue Syria’s post-conflict recovery.

The council reaffirmed “the primary responsibility of the Government of Syria to protect all its citizens, including Syrian Kurds,” and welcomed the issuance of Decree 13 by President Ahmad al-Sharaa to guarantee the rights of Syrian Kurds. Members encouraged further progress on integrating Kurdish representatives into the Syrian government and facilitating the return of displaced Kurds to their areas of origin.

Counterterrorism commitments underscored

The statement also welcomed the Syrian government’s recent commitments and actions to counter ISIS and al-Qaeda terrorist groups, underscoring Syria’s obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions, including 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011), 2178 (2014), 2253 (2015), 2396 (2017), and 2799 (2025).

Council members expressed appreciation for “the significant sacrifices made during the fight against ISIL (Daesh) in northeast Syria” and called on all parties to avoid any security vacuum in and around Daesh detention centers in the region.

Concern over detention facilities, regional coordination

They voiced deep concern over reports that ISIS fighters had escaped from detention facilities while welcoming the Syrian government’s swift action to restore order, re-apprehend detainees, and assume responsibility for those facilities. The council also welcomed UN efforts to reach displaced persons camps and resume humanitarian assistance, as well as Damascus’ facilitation of such aid.

Members encouraged secure transition plans for managing detention facilities and displaced persons camps holding ISIS affiliates, along with close international coordination to mitigate terrorist risks.

The council also commended the efforts of other partners in combating the threat posed by ISIS.

It praised Iraq's initiative and international cooperation in temporarily detaining ISIS terrorists in Iraqi-controlled facilities and urged member states to work with Iraq and Syria on third-country national detainees.

Respect for Syria’s sovereignty emphasized

Reaffirming its “strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic,” the council called on all states to respect these principles and refrain from actions or interference that could further destabilize the country.

Council members underscored the importance of continued international support to the Syrian government during its transition, including counterterrorism assistance, and encouraged member states to enhance coordination with Damascus in that regard.