Russia considers SDF-Damascus deal ‘important' step towards Syrian stability
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European parliament discusses Syria
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that Moscow welcomes the recent agreement between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus, adding that the move is an 'important' step towards the war-torn country's security and stability.
'This agreement signed between the Syrian authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces leadership is considered an important step toward ensuring Syrian unity and strengthening the country's security and stability,' Maria Zakharova told Rudaw's Kamiz Shadadi during a press briefing.
'We understand that the practical implementation of these agreements will undoubtedly face many difficulties, threats, and various problems, and to overcome these difficulties, constructive efforts must continue, and certainly, they must be prepared for compromises. We hope that both sides will be able to achieve this,' she added.
Russia, which was a strong supporter of Syria's ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, has made efforts to restore ties with the new administration in Damascus. Russians used to play the role of a mediator between the regime and the SDF.
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi signed a landmark agreement on Monday to integrate all civil and military institutions in the predominantly Kurdish northeast Syria (Rojava) into the state institutions and the handover of the control of border crossings and oil fields.
SDF is the main ally of the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). It is also the de facto army of northeast Syria (Rojava).
SDF-affiliated media cited its spokesperson downplaying the agreement with Damascus, stating that the SDF will remain in control of oil fields.
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