Turkey embraces Syria's roadmap as Jordan and the U.S. join the Sweida peace initiative
In a significant development, the Syrian government has reached an agreement to evacuate civilians from Sweida amid a fragile ceasefire. This move comes after a series of clashes between Druze armed groups and Bedouin Arab tribes that began on July 13.
The ceasefire has been observed in Sweida since July 19, marking a much-needed respite for the region. Security forces under Syria's Interior Ministry will be deployed on the Sweida-Damascus road, while civilian fighters withdraw from the region.
The roadmap for Sweida's future, announced following talks in Damascus between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, outlines seven key components. These include ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian and medical aid, restoring essential services, deploying local security forces, compensating those affected, facilitating the return of displaced persons, clarifying the fate of missing individuals, and launching a comprehensive reconciliation process.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has expressed satisfaction with this roadmap, aiming at preserving calm, ensuring stability, and preventing renewed conflict in Sweida, Syria. The agreement for Sweida's situation operates under the framework of Syria's unity and stability, according to Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
Syria's Foreign Ministry announced the government would invite an International Independent Investigation Commission to examine the events and bring those responsible to justice. Legal proceedings will be initiated against individuals who violated civilian rights and property. Trained police forces will operate under the Amman Agreement framework.
However, the roadmap's implementation has faced challenges. Israeli air forces struck Syrian government targets on July 16 and later on, resulting in the death of dozens of Syrian soldiers. The Israeli attacks were on the Syrian Presidency compound, General Staff Headquarters, and Defense Ministry.
Despite these setbacks, plans for rebuilding damaged villages in Sweida with contributions from Jordan and the U.S. are still in motion. The Syrian government, with Jordan and U.S. support, will deliver humanitarian and medical aid through UN organizations and international partners.
The US representative who spoke in Damascus with the Syrian and Jordanian foreign ministers and presented the seven-step solution strategy for the crisis in Syria's Sweida province is Thomas Barak, the US Special Envoy for Syria.
As the situation in Sweida continues to evolve, the hope is that this roadmap will pave the way for a more peaceful and stable future for the region and its people.
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