U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Syrian situation with officials from Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt, advocating for a Syrian-led political transition. Emphasis was placed on securing and eliminating chemical weapons, as well as supporting humanitarian efforts. Future U.S. engagements will focus on monitoring regional actions and continuing support for the Syrian populace.
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions regarding the situation in Syria with his counterparts from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Egypt. The dialogue emphasized a U.S. commitment to a Syrian-led political transition characterized by credible governance that is inclusive and non-sectarian. Blinken articulated several guiding principles that should govern this process, including the protection of minority rights, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the imperative to secure and eliminate any chemical weapons located within Syria.
During the press conference, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reiterated the accountability of Syrian parties in governance to ensure the destruction of any chemical weapons they control. Miller noted that while the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group has utilized appropriate rhetoric, the U.S. will assess them based on their forthcoming actions. Blinken is expected to continue engaging regional counterparts to discuss the outlined principles and to express U.S. support for the Syrian populace throughout this transitional period.
The discussions led by Secretary Blinken reflect ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts concerning the protracted conflict in Syria, which has persisted for over a decade. The U.S. is advocating for a political settlement to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of an internally-managed transition that avoids external interference. The dialogue also highlights the global concern over chemical weapons in conflict zones, with the U.S. placing the onus of their secure disposal on the new Syrian leadership.
In conclusion, Secretary Antony Blinken’s discussions with Middle Eastern counterparts underscore the U.S. commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution in Syria through an inclusive political process. The emphasis on national responsibility for chemical weapons further delineates the challenges that lie ahead for any transitional government in Syria. The international community remains vigilant as developments unfold and assessments of regional actors continue.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
