U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the United States had direct communication with the rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a leading role in operations against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Speaking after a meeting with foreign ministers from Arab countries and Turkey in Jordan, Blinken stated that a consensus had been reached on a joint statement outlining the principles that other countries hope to see in Syria’s political transition.
Blinken emphasized that there is broad consensus among regional partners that any new Syrian government must be inclusive, respect the rights of women and minorities, reject terrorism, and ensure the destruction of Assad-era chemical weapons stockpiles.
During a separate meeting with the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, Blinken expressed expectations to discuss the ongoing challenges for Syria and the “determination to work together to support Syria’s transition, with the UN playing a central role, particularly in providing aid and protecting minorities.”
Pedersen also stressed the importance of a credible and inclusive political process that brings together all Syrian communities. He added that it is crucial to prevent state institutions from collapsing and to quickly deliver humanitarian assistance.
