Syria Kurds say Sharaa's decree on language, nationality falls short of expectations

ALEPPO - Syria's Kurds said on Saturday a presidential decree recognising the minority's rights and making Kurdish an official language was a first step, but fell short of their expectations.

The Kurdish administration in Syria's north and northeast said in a statement that the decree issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday was "a first step, however it does not satisfy the aspirations and hopes of the Syrian people."

"Rights are not protected by temporary decrees, but through permanent constitutions that express the will of the people and all components" of society," it said.

Meanwhile, the Syrian army said it took control of the town of Deir Hafer outside Aleppo city on Saturday.

In a statement to state television, the army said it had established full military control of Deir Hafer, a day after Kurdish forces agreed to withdraw from the area following recent clashes.

Syria's defence ministry on Friday welcomed the Syrian Democratic Forces' decision to withdraw, saying it would closely monitor full implementation, including the removal of fighters and equipment, ahead of the Syrian military's deployment to the vacated areas to enforce state sovereignty.

US envoy Tom Barrack said on Friday Washington was in "close contact with all parties in Syria, working around the clock to lower the temperature, prevent escalation, and return to integration talks between the Syrian government and the SDF."