US diplomatic delegation arrives in Damascus for first time in 13 years
A State Department spokesperson said the US officials will discuss with Syrians, "their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can help support them."
Dec. 20, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - According to AFP, quoting the US State Department spokesperson, a delegation of American diplomats has arrived in Damascus for meetings and discussions with Syria's new authorities.
The State Department spokesperson stated that the delegation will meet with the leader of Tahrir al-Sham, despite the group being designated as a terrorist organization by Washington.
A State Department spokesperson said the US officials will discuss with Syrians, "their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can help support them."
The US delegation consists of Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs; Daniel Rubinstein, a senior US diplomat for Arab countries who handles Syria-related files; and Roger Carstens, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who is searching for evidence regarding missing Americans, including journalist Austin Tice, who has been unaccounted for in Syria since August 2012.
Furthermore, besides holding talks with current Damascus officials, the American delegation intends to engage with Syrian citizens about their vision for their country's future and how the United States can assist them.
This marks the first visit by a US diplomatic delegation to Damascus in 13 years.
