Rep. Cory Mills (R-FLA.) expressed that he felt “cautiously optimistic” following his meeting with new Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
Mills visited Damascus last week on an unofficial fact-finding trip where he engaged in discussions about economic sanctions and peace between Syria and Israel with Shara, as reported by Bloomberg.
“I am cautiously optimistic and striving to keep an open dialogue,” Mills, a veteran of the Army, remarked upon completing his visit.
Mills, a close supporter of President Trump, briefly informed the president and national security adviser Mike Waltz when he returned to the US, indicating that he intends to present a letter from Shara to Trump.
Florida lawmakers accompanied a group of prominent Syrian-Americans advocating for the US government to revoke sanctions placed on the previous Syrian administration.
Mills disclosed to the outlet that he conveyed to Shara the expectations of the Trump administration regarding the lifting of stringent sanctions. Although Qatar and Saudi Arabia have shown interest in providing financial aid to Syria, US sanctions have hindered their efforts, according to Bloomberg.
Mills mentioned that one condition set by the US is the destruction of chemical weapons that were left by former President Bashar al-Assad’s administration and that Syria must collaborate on counterterrorism efforts with US allies.
Assad’s regime was overthrown by Syrian rebels in December, marking the end of nearly three decades of his rule.
According to Bloomberg, the nation also reported that it must give assurances to Israel, has reservations about trusting Sharaa, and opposes the lifting of sanctions.
Mills’ visit occurred shortly after the US announced the withdrawal of hundreds of troops from Syria. The Department of Defense stated that this adjustment was “integration” reflecting the evolving security situation in the country, underscoring the achievements against ISIS during the Trump era in 2019.
The Trump administration indicated that this troop withdrawal would bring the number of US soldiers down to below 1,000 in the upcoming months, but concerns arose last year due to an increase in attacks on American bases in Syria.
Mills remarked to Bloomberg that Germany and Japan were once adversaries of the US, but “we need to take further steps to stabilize” relations with Syria.
