The U.S. secretary of state’s statement comes just days following the weekend collapse of the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Dec. 10 that process matters when it comes to the shaping of Syria’s future.
“The United States will recognize and fully support a future Syria government that results from this process,” he continued.
“We stand prepared to lend all appropriate support to all of Syria’s diverse communities and constituencies.”
Blinken’s statement comes just days following the weekend collapse of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Assad’s family ruled Syria for just over five decades.
“The transition process and new government must also uphold clear commitments to fully respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need, prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors, and ensure that any chemical or biological weapons stockpiles are secured and safely destroyed,” Blinken said.
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“So it is now incumbent upon all the opposition groups who seek a role in governing Syria to demonstrate their commitment to the rights of all Syrians, the rule of law, and the protection of religious and ethnic minorities.”
While the United States has emphasized the need for an acceptable process, whether the United States will support the reconstruction of Syria is another matter.
In response to a question from The Epoch Times on Dec. 10, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that U.S. support for rebuilding Syria is “putting the cart before the horse.”
“We need to see a political process play out here before we get to the discussions about reconstruction and who’s going to fund it,” he said.
The main rebel group that ended the Assad regime, Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham, better known as HTS, has pledged to create a pluralistic and just society.
“We will work to develop a comprehensive plan to rebuild the infrastructure and achieve sustainable development in a way that ensures the return of life to normal,” they continued.
As of 2012, the United States does not have diplomatic relations with Syria. The U.S. embassy in Damascus is closed.
