No withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria – American diplomat
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A U.S. diplomat said on Saturday the United States has no intention to withdraw its military forces from Syria.
Ethan Goldrich, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, said in an interview with the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the U.S. is committed to the partnership that they have with the local forces that they work with, in an indication to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Goldrich emphasized that the U.S.’ priority is to prevent the Islamic State group (ISIS) from regaining power.
“Our focus is on the mission that we have there to keep ISIS from reemerging,” Goldrich stressed.
Moreover, he added that they remain committed to providing humanitarian aid in Syria, but expressed a desire for a larger solution to the crisis so that Syrians can eventually support themselves without needing aid.
He pointed out that the U.S will not normalize relations with the Syrian government until there is a genuine and lasting progress on the objectives of U.N. Resolution 2254, which includes respecting the human rights of the Syrian people and ensuring they receive the civil and human rights they deserve.