France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani spoke by telephone on Saturday. They urged all parties in Syria to stop fighting immediately. During the call, they emphasized the need for de-escalation and a permanent ceasefire. Both leaders expressed concern over recent clashes between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and government troops in northern Syria.
The SDF controls large areas in Syria’s oil-rich north and northeast. They gained much of this territory during the civil war and the fight against the Islamic State group. Meanwhile, the Damascus government seeks to extend its authority across the country. This follows their takeover of former president Bashar al-Assad’s positions a little over a year ago.
In March last year, both sides signed an agreement to merge the semi-autonomous Syrian Kurdish administration with the central government. However, the plan has largely stalled due to ongoing disputes and delays in implementation. France’s President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that the agreement’s progress is crucial for regional stability and security. He stressed that resuming talks could prevent further violence.
Macron and Barzani both called for immediate negotiations on integrating the SDF into the Syrian state. They emphasized that dialogue must continue to achieve lasting solutions. Officials from both sides reportedly agreed that any delay could worsen tensions in northern Syria. France’s President Emmanuel Macron insisted that international support and pressure could help ensure compliance from all parties involved.
Observers note that the situation remains fragile, with potential flare-ups threatening civilians and regional stability. Analysts argue that coordinated international diplomacy, such as Macron and Barzani’s talks, plays a pivotal role. They also point out that strengthening local governance and integrating semi-autonomous forces are key steps toward peace.
As the conflict unfolds, international leaders continue calling for restraint. Both France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Nechirvan Barzani underlined that only negotiation and cooperation can secure lasting peace. They urged all sides to prioritize humanitarian needs while working toward a political resolution.
