Kurdish leader Barzani welcomes Syria-YPG agreement in call with Syrian president Al-Sharaa

​​​​​​​By Esat Firat

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Mesud Barzani said Saturday he welcomes the agreement between the Syrian government and the YPG terror group, operating under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The Syrian Presidency said President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Barzani held a call during which recent developments in Syria were discussed.

Sharaa underscored the state’s commitment to the national, political and civil rights of Kurds, stressing that all Syrians are equal before the law and enjoy equal rights, it said.

Barzani expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of implementing the deal in a manner that guarantees Syria’s unity and stability.

A statement added that both sides highlighted the importance of cooperation and joint coordination to ensure the agreement is put into effect and to contribute to stability in Syria and the wider region.

Damascus announced a comprehensive ceasefire and phased agreement Friday between the government and the SDF.

The two sides committed to an immediate ceasefire and a phased process to integrate military and administrative structures.

The deal also provides for the withdrawal of forces from contact lines and the deployment of Interior Ministry security forces to the city centers of Hasakah and Qamishli in northeastern Syria as part of broader efforts to restore stability.

The agreement further aims to unify Syrian territory, enforce state authority and advance full institutional integration through coordination and joint efforts to rebuild the country.

On Jan. 18, the Syrian government and the SDF signed a ceasefire and integration deal, but Damascus has since accused the group of repeated and “serious” violations.

The latest agreement followed a military operation by the Syrian Army that reclaimed large areas in eastern and northeastern Syria after repeated breaches by the SDF of previous understandings.