Farhad Shami reacted sharply to the American special representative for Syria Tom Barak:
"Sykes-Picot divided the Middle East geographically, while Tom Barak is deepening the social and political divisions, especially in Syria, with his diplomacy based on blackmail and threats.
We must be wary of Barak's attempts to include Kurdish, Alevi and Druze political representatives in his plans.
The 'barracks alliance' that could drag Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey into new conflicts is dangerous for the region. Tom Barak must stay away from our people."