Washington takes measured approach to Syria policy – U.S. Mideast Envoy
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, stated on Wednesday that the United States is taking measured steps and assessing the situation carefully as it formulates its policy toward Syria.
In a statement to Sky News Arabia, Ortagus said the United States has been clear about its expectations of Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria’s transitional government.
Earlier, the U.S. formally notified the Syrian mission at the United Nations that its legal status had been downgraded—from a permanent mission of a UN member state to that of a mission of an unrecognized government.
She emphasized that Washington is committed to ensuring Iran does not reestablish a foothold in Syria, and to preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS), which could pose threats to the United States, Europe, and the broader Middle East.
Ortagus said the U.S. has a strategic interest there and two dear friends in the region—NATO ally Turkey and close ally Israel. In addition, the U.S. has a strong partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All of these countries, including Lebanon, have a vital interest in achieving a stable outcome in Syria, she noted.