A senior United Nations official said Friday that Syria has made limited progress toward political integration and accountability, but warned that ongoing military tensions, economic collapse and repeated violations of the country’s sovereignty continue to threaten prospects for long-term stability.
"Since I briefed the council from Damascus three weeks ago, we have seen progress towards accountability and sustained international and regional engagement, while unresolved tensions, economic hardship, and repeated violations of Syria’s sovereignty persist," deputy special envoy of the secretary-general for Syria, Claudio Cordone, virtually told a U.N. Security Council meeting.
Cordone highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the Jan. 29 agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast of the country. He said repeated visits by SDF representatives to Damascus had advanced discussions on military and institutional integration.
"It is our understanding that four brigades will be integrated into the national army structure,” Cordone said, adding that talks continue over the incorporation of additional SDF units, including female military forces, as well as civilian institutions and education policies.
