U.S., France and Syria Pledge Joint Push for Political Settlement

Syria, the United States and France issued a rare joint statement pledging coordinated support for a political reconciliation process led by the Syrian government. The three governments said they back efforts to advance a nationwide transition while safeguarding Syria’s unity and sovereignty and lowering violence levels, with particular attention to reconciliation initiatives in northeastern Syria and the southern province of Sweida. The statement also emphasised the need to hold accountable individuals responsible for acts of violence during the 14-year conflict and reaffirmed Damascus’s commitment to avoid actions that could threaten the security of neighbouring states. As part of the initiative, the parties said a new round of talks between the Syrian government and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces will be convened in Paris as soon as possible. No date was given.