The United States “will recognize and fully support” a new Syrian government that is chosen by the Syrian people and adheres to four key principles, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Tuesday.
It is the first explicit pledge of US recognition following the fall of the Assad regime this weekend.
“The United States reaffirms its full support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition. This transition process should lead to credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance that meets international standards of transparency and accountability, consistent with the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254,” Blinken said in a statement.
The four principles he outlined include 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.
- Ensure that any chemical or biological weapons stockpiles are secured and safely destroyed.
Blinken called on all countries to “support an inclusive and transparent process and refrain from external interference.”
“The United States will recognize and fully support a future Syria government that results from this process,” he said. “We stand prepared to lend all appropriate support to all of Syria’s diverse communities and constituencies.”
