Syria Continues to Make Progress

“Over the past fifteen months, we have witnessed the most significant transformations in Syria in decades," declared Ambassador Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria

“Over the past fifteen months, we have witnessed the most significant transformations in Syria in decades: the collapse of the [Bashar al-]Assad regime, the emergence of a new government, and unprecedented diplomatic breakthroughs,” declared Ambassador Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye and Special Envoy for SyriaPresident Donald Trump’s approach has been to facilitate Syrian-led processes and support a unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors, with meaningful protections for all communities, said Ambassador Barrack.“The Syrian government and Syria Democratic Forces reached a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive integration agreement in January, which provides real protections for the Syrian Kurds, and brings the northeast’s civilian and military structures under national control,” said Ambassador Barrack.Syria joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and has conducted joint operations to disrupt the terror networks of ISIS, al-Qaida, and Hezbollah, along with the Iranian-aligned groups.Syria, with the support of the United States and Jordan, has also consolidated the ceasefire in Suwayda - a Druze-majority city, with small Christian and Sunni Muslim Bedouin minorities. Syria has committed to holding those responsible for atrocities accountable, noted Ambassador Barrack.Syria has also rejected Tehran’s malign influence and expelled remnants of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. “Remarkably, a country that only two years ago was a cornerstone of Iran’s so-called ‘axis of resistance’ has now condemned Iran’s dangerous and cowardly assault on other Arab countries,” said Ambassador Barrack. “Indeed, Syria is now the target of attacks by Iran’s terrorist proxy, Hezbollah. The United States condemns those attacks and welcomes the cooperation between Syria and Lebanon to secure their shared border.”Well over two million refugees and internally displaced have now returned home, where they can contribute to the rebuilding of their country.U.S. contributions to humanitarian organizations in Syria are helping families meet their basic needs and are also supporting the reintegration of families to their communities of origin.Thanks to President Trump, Syria now has a chance to end its dependence on foreign aid as international sanctions relief have unlocked opportunities for Syrians to thrive.The U.S. calls on members of the Security Council and all nations to support the Syrian government during its transition. This includes enhancing Syria’s counterterrorism capabilities, contributing to its reconstruction, and repatriating third country nationals from displaced persons camps and detention facilities. Fully addressing the humanitarian and security challenges in Syria requires that countries of origin repatriate, rehabilitate, and eventually reintegrate their nationals currently in Syria – and when appropriate ensure they face justice for their actions.The United States is proud of what the Syrian people and their government have achieved thus far. “Under President Donald Trump’s leadership,” said Ambassador Barrack, “we will continue to deepen our partnership and help Syria reclaim its rightful place – both as a beacon of stability abroad, and as an exemplar of peace, unity, and tolerance at home.”