10.01.2026 21:08
Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Representative for Syria, met with Syrian President Ahmed Shara in Damascus. Barrack stated regarding the meeting, "President Trump sees this moment as a very important opportunity for a new Syria. We call for a return to dialogue in accordance with the agreements signed between the Syrian government and the SDF on March 10 and April 1, 2025."
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, met with Syrian President Ahmed Shara and Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani. Barrack noted that the recent developments in Aleppo, which appear to contradict the March 10 Agreement, are a source of deep concern.
BARRACK MET WITH SHARA IN DAMASCUS
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, met today in Syria's capital, Damascus, with Syrian President Ahmed Shara and Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani.
"TRUMP SEES THIS MOMENT AS A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW SYRIA"
Barrack stated the following regarding the meeting in a post on X: "Today, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I met in Damascus with Syrian President Ahmed Shara, Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani, and members of their team to discuss the recent developments in Aleppo and the path forward in Syria's historic transition process. President Trump sees this moment as a significant opportunity for a new Syria, a united country where all communities, including Arabs, Kurds, Druze, Christians, Alawites, Turkmen, Assyrians, and others, are treated with respect and dignity and meaningfully participate in governance and security institutions. Acknowledging this opportunity, he agreed to lift sanctions to give Syria a chance to progress.
The U.S. government welcomes Syria's historic transition process and supports the efforts of the Syrian government, led by President Shara, to stabilize the country, rebuild national institutions, and fulfill the aspirations of all Syrians for peace, security, and prosperity.
"WE HAVE A PARTNERSHIP WITH SDF"
The U.S. has long been working to defeat ISIS and promote stability in Syria. Among these efforts is our partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which plays a significant role in achieving lasting gains in the fight against terrorism, as well as Operation Inherent Resolve. In this context, the Syrian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the integration agreement signed with the SDF in March 2025, which provides a framework for incorporating SDF forces into national institutions in a way that protects the rights of Kurds and strengthens Syria's unity and sovereignty.
"ALL PARTIES MUST RETURN TO DIALOGUE"
The recent developments in Aleppo, which appear to contradict the terms of this agreement, are a source of deep concern. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease hostile actions, and return to dialogue in accordance with the agreements signed on March 10 and April 1, 2025, between the Syrian government and the SDF. Violence risks jeopardizing the progress made since the fall of the Assad regime and leads to external intervention that is not in the interest of any party.
The team of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is ready to facilitate constructive cooperation between the Syrian government and the SDF. This cooperation aims to advance an inclusive and responsible integration process that respects Syria's unity, upholds the principle of a single sovereign state, and supports the goal of a single legitimate national army. The goal remains a sovereign, united Syria that is at peace with itself and its neighbors, offering equality, justice, and opportunities to all its people. We call on Syria's neighbors and the international community to support this vision and provide the necessary cooperation and assistance to make it a reality.