During his official visit to the Middle East following the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the United States wants Syria to “succeed” and is prepared to assist in its transition.
The visit, which took place from December 11-14, saw Blinken travelling to Turkey and Iraq. According to State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, Blinken delivered a clear message to the Syrian people:
“We want them to succeed and we are prepared to help them do so.”
In a press briefing on Monday (local time), Miller elaborated on Blinken’s discussions regarding the principles for Syria’s future. These principles emphasize a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition, which would eventually lead to an inclusive and representative government.
Miller also underscored the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians, including women and minorities. He stated:
“The Secretary returned this weekend from his latest trip to the Middle East, where he discussed the principles that he outlined early last week as essential for delivering on the aspirations of the Syrian people after the fall of the brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad.”
These principles, as detailed by Miller, include:
- Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition
- The formation of an inclusive and representative government
- The protection of human rights for all, including women and minorities
- Ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need
- Preventing Syria from becoming a base for terrorist groups
- Establishing peaceful relations with neighboring countries
- The safe destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles
Miller further noted that the United States will continue to engage with local actors within Syria and international partners to promote adherence to these principles.
“In a joint statement issued after the meeting of foreign ministers that the Secretary attended in Aqaba, Jordan on Saturday, those principles were endorsed by a number of our partners in the region as well as a number of countries in Europe and the European Union,” said Miller. “Over the coming days, we will continue to engage with actors on the ground in Syria about the importance of adherence to those principles as well as with our partners in the region and around the world about what they can do to advance those principles as well.”
The comments come as opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a significant offensive from the northwestern province of Idlib. By December 8, they reached Damascus, signalling the end of over 50 years of al-Assad family rule in Syria.