Van Hollen, Graham Express Bipartisan Support for Syrian Kurdish Partners in Fight to Prevent Resurgence of ISIS; Announce Intent to Introduce Sanctions Legislation Should Turkey Not Renew Ceasefire
Statement Follows Call Yesterday with SDF General Mazloum Abdi
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) released the following statement after their call yesterday with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Mazloum Abdi:
“The 2019 ceasefire between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds has saved lives, increased regional stability, and ensured that the SDF can continue its vital efforts as the tip of the spear in our fight against ISIS. But now in the wake of the Assad regime’s fall, Turkish-backed forces have ramped up attacks against our Syrian Kurdish partners, once again threatening the vital mission of preventing the resurgence of ISIS. What’s more, the temporary ceasefire between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the SDF enacted last week has now expired, and Turkey has refused to extend the ceasefire, including an offer for a demilitarized zone along the border, particularly the city of Kobani. While Turkey has some legitimate security concerns that can be addressed, these developments are undermining regional security, and the United States cannot sit idly by. Yesterday, we spoke to SDF General Mazloum Abdi and once again reiterated our support for our Syrian Kurdish partners. The United States must immediately use all the tools at our disposal to press for a sustained ceasefire and a demilitarized zone. If Turkey doesn’t immediately accept these terms, we intend to introduce bipartisan sanctions legislation this week, similar to the bill we jointly introduced in 2019.”