U.S. stresses no normalization with Syrian government
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States (U.S.) confirmed on Tuesday that it will not normalize relations with the Syrian government in light of absent progress regarding a political solution to the conflict.
“The U.S. position is clear,” a State Department official said. “We will not normalize relations with the Assad regime absent authentic progress towards a political solution to the underlying conflict.”
Recently, Syrian and Turkish top officials have stated that their countries can restore relations and that there are no obstacles that may hinder the issue.
A few days ago, the Syrian semi-official al-Watan newspaper noted to an upcoming meeting Syrian and Turkish officials in Baghdad, Iraq’s capital.
Late in June, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said there is no obstacle preventing Turkey and Syria from restoring diplomatic relations.
In a press release on Tuesday, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, Vedant Patel, said, “We’ve been clear with regional partners, including Türkiye, that engaging with the Syrian regime – that credible steps to improve the humanitarian condition, human rights, and the security situation for all Syrians needs to be at the focus for these kinds of engagements.”
In an exclusive statement to North Press, the State Department official said, “Turkey is our NATO Ally, and we cooperate closely across a wide spectrum of issues.”
“We have shared interests in countering terrorism, ending the conflict in Syria in line with UNSCR 2254, and deterring malign influence in the region,” he added.
The official noted to dialogue with the Turkish government on the Syrian crisis confirming that they “will continue to work with Ankara on Syria policy – together with Syria’s other neighbors and our partners in the region – as we seek areas for cooperation.”