YPG agree to Syria ceasefire, ‘optimistic’ it will focus fight on ISIS
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—The Kurdish forces in northern Syria accept the ceasefire negotiated by the US and Russia and view it as a “positive step,” their command confirmed in a statement on Monday.
“We are optimistic with this deal we will be able to cooperate in the fight against the terror of Daesh (ISIS), also hoping it will prepare the base for political transition to start according to the Security Council resolution 2254,” reads a statement published by the General Command of the People’s Defense Units (YPG), also known as the People’s Protection Units.
They called on all parties involved in the conflict to join the ceasefire and take steps towards a political transition to end the conflict.
“As the People’s Defense Units, we shall endure and strengthen our struggle against terrorist groups, to help bring an end to the continued suffering of all Syrians, to protect the people of areas that have been freed and those that will be liberated. We believe protecting civilians will establish peace in the region and end Turkey’s occupation of Syrian soil.”
A ceasefire negotiated by Russia and the US comes into effect on Monday. It has been welcomed by Damascus, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) of a coalition of Syrian opposition groups, Turkey, and the UN.
Many, however, have expressed doubt that the agreement will hold, citing violations of previous truces.
Bassma Kodmani, an HNC spokesperson, expressed concern that the Syrian army would comply with the truce, saying that Russia’s influence over Damascus “was the only way to get the regime to comply.”
Rebel groups have accused Damascus of violating previous ceasefires.
“We are optimistic with this deal we will be able to cooperate in the fight against the terror of Daesh (ISIS), also hoping it will prepare the base for political transition to start according to the Security Council resolution 2254,” reads a statement published by the General Command of the People’s Defense Units (YPG), also known as the People’s Protection Units.
They called on all parties involved in the conflict to join the ceasefire and take steps towards a political transition to end the conflict.
“As the People’s Defense Units, we shall endure and strengthen our struggle against terrorist groups, to help bring an end to the continued suffering of all Syrians, to protect the people of areas that have been freed and those that will be liberated. We believe protecting civilians will establish peace in the region and end Turkey’s occupation of Syrian soil.”
A ceasefire negotiated by Russia and the US comes into effect on Monday. It has been welcomed by Damascus, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) of a coalition of Syrian opposition groups, Turkey, and the UN.
Many, however, have expressed doubt that the agreement will hold, citing violations of previous truces.
Bassma Kodmani, an HNC spokesperson, expressed concern that the Syrian army would comply with the truce, saying that Russia’s influence over Damascus “was the only way to get the regime to comply.”
Rebel groups have accused Damascus of violating previous ceasefires.