Council for eastern Syrian to be formed, Egypt mediation lauded

CAIRO - 20 September 2017: A council will be formed to represent the interests of the eastern Syrian governorates and partake in the future of the embattled country, according to a Wednesday statement by Syrian factions and tribes following their meeting in Cairo.

An executive body has been formed to follow a program, whereby it reports to the anticipated “Arab Council in the Island and Farat.” The council will defend the rights of the residents of al-Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa to administer their respective governorates and shape the future of their country, the statement said, emphasizing the unity of all the Syrian territories.

The statement called on Russia and the U.S. to acknowledge that the Arab residents of eastern Syria, making up 80 percent of the population therein, have borne the brunt of terrorism, and that they are responsible for liberating their areas with an exclusively Arab leadership.

The Syrians representing the three governorates urged Arab and international governments and organizations for support their fight against terrorism and help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the area. The statement recognized that a political solution is the only means to a democratic Syria.

The Syrian representatives, who have met Tuesday-Wednesday for consultations, applauded Egypt’s efforts in resolving the conflict in Syrian and its stance in support of the territorial integrity of their country.