U.S., France discuss joint efforts to address instability in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday that Secretary Antony Blinken held a phone call with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, to discuss mitigating the risks of increasing instability in Syria, including the threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS).
In a statement, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said, Blinken and Barrot discussed ways to help the Syrian people seize the opportunity to build a better future while addressing the risks of growing instability, including from ISIS.
The statement added that the French and American ministers emphasized the need for a comprehensive, Syrian-led political transition.
Blinken stressed the importance of respecting human rights for all groups in Syria, supporting international humanitarian law, and taking all necessary precautions to protect civilians, including members of minority groups.
Blinken also called for international support to locate those missing or unjustly detained under the previous Syrian regime, including the American journalist Austin Tice, who remains missing in Syria.