A British delegation consisting of Niamh Connolly, Political Officer for the United Kingdom’s Syria Desk, and Charlotte Dixon, Consul General at the United Kingdom Consulate in Southern Kurdistan (Başur), visited the region of Northern and Eastern Syria on 5 August.
According to the website of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration, the delegation was received by Robil Beho, Deputy Co-Chair of the Department; Khalid Ibrahim, Member of the Executive Board; Rojhat Ali, Advisor at the Semalka Border Crossing; and Lana Hussein, Representative of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ).
Both sides discussed the overall situation in Syria, recent developments in Northern and Eastern Syria and the ongoing dialogue with Damascus.
The meeting addressed the potential mechanisms for integrating the institutions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration into the structure of a Syrian transitional government. Another central topic was the prevention of a resurgence of ”terrorist groups” such as ISIS.
It was emphasized that both issues require regional and international support.
The British delegation made the following statement: “We are aware that the humanitarian situation in Northern and Eastern Syria has become extremely difficult due to more than thirteen years of ongoing war. The United Kingdom will continue to support the protection of civilians and the improvement of conditions in the camps through humanitarian aid programs. We will carry on our efforts in line with the humanitarian needs of the region.”
The delegation also drew attention to the threat posed by ISIS mercenaries in the region and stated: “ISIS mercenaries continue to pose threats in Syria, Iraq, and other regions, and are committing ongoing human rights violations against civilians. As part of the International Coalition against ISIS, the United Kingdom will continue its efforts to combat this threat and will maintain its cooperation with the SDF and other partners.”
The delegation expressed its gratitude to the Syrian Democratic Forces, to Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations, and to representatives of the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria.
At the end of the visit, a British child from a family affiliated with ISIS was handed over to the delegation by the Autonomous Administration, in accordance with an official bilateral document signed between the Autonomous Administration and the United Kingdom.