Canada urges 'meaningful implementation' of Damascus-SDF deal
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Canada on Wednesday welcomed a recent landmark deal between the new Syrian administration and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) but urged its implementation to ensure progress.
'Canada welcomes the agreement reached on March 10 between the interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This is a potential step toward greater stability and improved conditions for Syrians. However, meaningful implementation will be key to ensuring lasting progress,' said a statement from Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen.
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi signed a landmark agreement on Monday to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus. The agreement recognizes the Kurds as an integral part of Syria, includes a countrywide ceasefire, and stipulates the return of displaced Syrians to their hometowns.
The landmark agreement between the SDF and Damascus has been welcomed by many regional and Western countries, including Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hoped on Tuesday that all eight articles of the agreement, which includes the handover of an airport, oilfields and border crossings to Damascus, are fully implemented.
The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), which serves as the SDF's political wing, told Rudaw on Tuesday that the deal was mediated by international actors, mainly the US.
Canada has supplied over $100 million in aid to Syria since rebels led by the Islamist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. The aid includes 'food, protection services, water, sanitation and hygiene services, and health services,' according to the foreign ministry statement. It announced a new $84 million aid package on Wednesday.
'Canada will be easing sanctions to allow funds to be sent through certain banks in the country, such as Syria's Central Bank,' the statement added, noting that the sanctions were used against the Assad regime and their removal would 'contribute to a swift recovery for Syria.'
Since 2015, Canada has hosted over 44,000 Syrian refugees, according to government data.
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