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From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 19, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 19, 2026
Syria says Sharaa, Trump discuss Kurds in phone call after shaky ceasefire
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This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on November 10, 2025, shows US President Donald Trump (L) shaking hands with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in Washington DC. (Handout / SANA / AFP)
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke to US President Donald Trump today and discussed guaranteeing Kurdish rights, Syria’s presidency says, a day after Damascus reached a deal with Kurdish forces including a truce.
During the telephone call, “both sides emphasized the need to guarantee the Kurdish people’s rights and protection within the framework of the Syrian state,” the statement says, adding that the leaders also “affirmed the importance of preserving the unity and independence of Syrian territory.”
They also agreed to continue cooperation to combat ISIS, the presidency added.
Yesterday, the Syrian government signed a sweeping integration deal with the Kurdish led Syrian Democratic forces, though tensions have persisted today.
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