Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the Biden administration will support Syria's new government after a military coalition of rebels ousted longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad from power in recent days. We have outlined some of the requirements.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, designated a terrorist by the United States, has emerged as the charismatic leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that splintered from al-Qaeda, and a leading figure in the liberation of Syria. There is. years ago. HTS appointed Mohammed al-Bashir, who headed the de facto government in Idlib province, to lead the country until March 1.
blinken statement The United States “reaffirms its full support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition,” it said.
“This transition process should lead to credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance that meets international standards of transparency and accountability, in line with the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254,” Blinken said. ” he said.
Blinken said the change of government comes at a critical moment for the country, which has been in a state of civil war for more than a decade.
“The transition process and the new government will also fully respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to all in need, and ensure that Syria is not used as a terrorist base or poses a threat to neighboring countries. “We must make clear commitments to ensure that chemical and biological weapons stockpiles are secured and safely destroyed,” Blinken said.
“The Syrian people will decide Syria's future.”
With Assad gone, it is unclear how a permanent government will be established or whether factions within the rebel alliance will cooperate.
Blinken's statement comes as regional powers scramble to protect their interests in Syria amid uncertainty over the country's future.
The US on Sunday launched “dozens of precision airstrikes” against more than 75 targets in central Syria, including ISIS camps, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
“Attacks against ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps are aimed at disrupting, weakening, and defeating ISIS in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage. The mission was carried out as part of an ongoing mission “to reestablish the status quo in central Syria,” the CENTCOM statement said.
Israel has also deployed troops in a demilitarized buffer zone on the Syrian border, which the country's defense minister has now declared a “barren defense zone.” Reuters.
Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said: “We are not involved in what is happening inside Syria and are not on either side of this conflict. We are not involved in anything other than protecting our borders and the security of our people. I have no interest.'' .
In a statement, Blinken called on other countries to support the Syrian government, which was established through an “inclusive and transparent process.”
“All countries should pledge to support an inclusive and transparent process and refrain from outside interference. The United States recognizes and fully supports the future Syrian government that emerges from this process. We will,” Blinken said.
“We stand ready to provide appropriate support to all of Syria’s diverse communities and constituencies.”
