Damascus (TDI): US diplomats met Syria’s new ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), on Friday, as foreign powers seek assurances the country’s authorities will be moderate and inclusive.
Barbara Leaf, the State Department’s top Middle East diplomat, presidential envoy for hostage affairs Roger Carstens and senior adviser Daniel Rubinstein, who is tasked with leading the Syria engagement, are the first US diplomats to visit Syria since Assad’s rule collapsed.
A US State Department spokesperson said US envoys discussed the principles of transition in Syria and regional events in a meeting with HTS representatives in Damascus on Friday, according to media reports.
Their visit follows remarks by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, revealing ‘direct contact’ with HTS.
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The US designated al-Sharaa a terrorist in 2013, stating al Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with toppling Assad’s rule and establishing Islamic sharia law in Syria.
The sudden arrival of HTS group in Damascus left foreign governments scrambling for new policies.
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A State Department spokesperson said before the in-person meeting that the United States’ officials from the Biden administration would discuss with HTS representatives a set of principles such as ‘respect for the rights of minorities’ and ‘inclusivity’ that Washington wants included in Syria’s political transition.
Growing Concerns Over Minorities, Women’s Rights
While the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad concluded years of civil war, it has raised concerns over women and minorities’ rights as well as the future of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
“They will talk directly with the Syrian citizens, including activists, members of civil society and different communities, as well as other voices about their vision for the Syria’s future and how Washington can help support them,” the State Department spokesperson said.
“They will also meet HTS representatives to discuss principles of transition endorsed by the US and regional partners in Aqaba, Jordan.”
