UN Commission of Inquiry Hails Syria-YPG Ceasefire Deal

(MENAFN) The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria Friday endorsed a truce between Damascus and the YPG terror organization, which operates under the designation Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), while pressing for sustained civilian safeguards and unobstructed humanitarian corridors throughout northeastern Syria.

"We welcome efforts to bring stability to the region and now hope for a complete end to hostilities and a sustainable resolution, including to the humanitarian crisis," commission chair Paulo Pinheiro declared in an official statement, highlighting critical shortages of food supplies, clean water, and electrical power.

The commission demanded all combatants rigorously uphold international humanitarian law standards and shield non-combatants along with essential civilian facilities as hostilities continue.

Investigators cautioned that harsh winter weather, compounded by acute deficiencies in fundamental services, threatens displaced communities with life-threatening conditions, especially vulnerable children. The panel also expressed alarm regarding detainees, including thousands of minors confined within camps and detention centers.

"We urge the Syrian authorities now controlling the area to facilitate the voluntary, safe and dignified return home of the approximate 16,500 Syrian women and children still held there, many having been unlawfully deprived of their liberty by the SDF for nearly seven years," stated commissioner Fionnuala Ni Aolain.

The Syrian government and the YPG terrorist group, operating as SDF, Friday finalized an expansive accord establishing a cessation of hostilities alongside a structured plan for the organization's phased absorption into military and governmental institutions.

Syrian armed forces initiated operations against the YPG on Jan. 16 targeting zones west of the Euphrates River. Military actions subsequently extended eastward across the river with tribal militia reinforcements, resulting in government reclamation of most territory formerly held by the militant faction.

An earlier ceasefire and complete integration pact struck Jan. 18 between Damascus and the YPG stipulated the organization's total evacuation from Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor eastern provinces, handover of governmental institutions in Hasakah to state administration, central government assumption of all border checkpoints and energy infrastructure, and individual assimilation of YPG fighters into national security apparatus.

Fighting reignited Jan. 19 following the YPG's refusal to honor the arrangement. Syrian authorities announced Jan. 20 a ceasefire declaration while granting the group a four-day deadline to commence integration procedures.

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