Quotes
It’s too early to tell whether the incoming regime’s record will reflect a different way of doing business,
America and our partners have an important stake in helping the Syrian people chart this new path. We know that what happens inside of Syria can have powerful consequences well beyond its borders, from mass displacement to terrorism,
I do not think the United States should lock ourselves out of a room that everyone else is in,
Syria is a mess, but is not our friend,
This new organisation has no affiliation to any external entity,
The success that we’ve had over the last years in ending the territorial caliphate of ISIS, making sure that ISIS was in a box and stays there — that remains a critical mission,
Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties,
We have pressed upon everyone we've been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home,
Direct contact – yes."
When asked if the US had reached out directly to HTS, he replied We agreed that the transition process should be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned and produce an inclusive and representative government,
We need to make sure that state institutions do not collapse, and that we get in humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible."
UN Syria envoy Geir Pedersen earlier told Blinken The rights of all Syrians, including minorities and women, should be respected. Humanitarian aid should be able to reach people who need it,
No one has any illusions about how challenging this time will be, but there's also something incredibly powerful – the Syrian people determined to break with the past and shape a better future,
Our message to the Syrian people is: We want you to succeed and we are ready to help you do so
What he's saying ... Blinken said
