Anniversary of the Khan Sheikhoun and Douma Chemical Weapons Attacks
Anniversary of the Khan Sheikhoun and Douma Chemical Weapons Attacks Read More»
Joint Statement on Syria
The text of the following statement was released today by UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo. Read More»
Ambassador Cohen at a UN Security Council Briefing on Syria
"The Assad regime and its allies must take concrete steps to de-escalate military operations and end forced disappearances, release innocent civilians held in detention, and permit rapid, safe, and unhindered access for humanitarian agencies across Syria... Read More»
Amb Jeffrey on ISIS’s territorial defeat and next steps in Syria and the D-ISIS campaign
"This is not the end of the fight against ISIS. That will go on, but it will be a different kind of fight. ISIS has lost much of its capability to project terrorist power and to have a recruiting base in an area that it controls, so it’s a very, very important development. " Read More»
Statement from the President on the Liberation of ISIS-Controlled Territory
I am pleased to announce that, together with our partners in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, including the Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, the United States has liberated all ISIS-controlled territory in Syria and Iraq—100 Percent of the “caliphate.” Read More»
Press briefing by Amb Jeffrey U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement
Press briefing by Ambassador James Jeffrey following his participation in the third Brussels conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region ... Read More»
Joint Statement on the Eighth Anniversary of the Syrian Conflict
Eight years ago today, tens of thousands of Syrians took to the streets to claim the right to express themselves freely, call for reform, and demand justice. The Assad regime’s brutal response, and role in the conflict that followed, resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis since World War II. Read More»
Additional Funding for the Syrian Civil Defense and UN International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM)
At the direction of the President, subject to congressional approval, the United States intends to provide $5 million for the continuation of the vital, life-saving operations of the White Helmets in Syria and in support of the UN’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) which is charged with assisting the investigation and prosecution of persons ... Read More»
Escalation of Attacks Against Idlib, Syria
The United States views with grave concern escalating violence in recent days in Idlib and neighboring areas prompted by Russian and Assad regime airstrikes and artillery. Despite Russia’s claims Read More»
U.S. Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Syria Crisis
Today at the at the Third Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region,” the United States announced more than $397 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria as part of the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan for 2019-2020. Read More»
Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting With UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen yesterday in Washington, D.C., to discuss the conflict in Syria, including continued U.S. support for the UN-led political process under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. Read More»
OPCW FFM Report on Investigation Into CW Use in Douma, Syria, on 7 April 2018
The report concluded that there were reasonable grounds that chlorine was used as a chemical weapon in the attack. The FFM found that the weaponized chlorine was not manufactured at the sites, as alleged by the regime, and that it is possible that the chlorine was released by cylinders that had been dropped from the ... Read More»
Remarks at a UNSC Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
The United States urges the Assad regime and the Russian Federation to facilitate a new UN-Syrian Arab Red Crescent humanitarian convoy to Rukban before the end of March ..... Read More»
Freedom of Movement for Internally Displaced Persons in Rukban
The United States applauds the recent success of the United Nations and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) humanitarian convoy which brought life-saving humanitarian assistance to more than 40,000 displaced people at the Rukban informal camp in south-eastern Syria. Read More»
Statement by Ministers of the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS/DAESH
We, the Ministers, Secretaries General, and Heads of Delegations of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, met in Washington today at the invitation of United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to review the significant progress of the past year against ISIS and to discuss the next stage in the campaign to ensure the enduring ... Read More»
Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Rukban
We welcome the news that the UN and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) are making a second humanitarian aid delivery from Damascus to the Rukban encampment, providing critical food, medical care, warm clothes, and shelter materials. This follows the successful delivery that took place in November 2018. We recognize the courageous efforts of the UN ... Read More»
Joint Statement on Syria
We, the Foreign Ministers and representatives of Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, met today in Washington to continue our work in support of the UN’s efforts to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Syria on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Read More»
Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Syria
The United States calls upon other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens detained by the SDF and commends the continued efforts of the SDF to return these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin. Read More»
Remarks at a UNSC Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
"We must not lose sight of the fact that what is truly needed is unimpeded, sustained humanitarian access, both in Rukban and throughout Syria..." Read More»
Treasury Designates Iran’s Foreign Fighter Militias in Syria along with a Civilian Airline Ferrying Weapons to Syria
January 24, 2019 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against two Syria-based, Iran-backed militias composed of foreign nationals, an Iranian airline linked to designated Iranian airline Mahan Air and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), and an Armenian general sales agent (GSA) providing ... Read More»
Statement by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders on Syria
We have started returning United States troops home as we transition to the next phase of this campaign. The United States and our allies stand ready to re-engage at all levels to defend American interests whenever necessary Read More»
Meeting Readout of The Secretary’s Special Representative on Syria Engagement in Gaziantep
The Secretary’s Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James Jeffrey and Special Envoy for Syria and Deputy Assistant Secretary Joel Rayburn visited Gaziantep December 8 to meet with U.S. and Turkish military officials, Syrian refugees, civil society actors, and political groups working on Syria. Read More»
Briefing With Special Representative for Syria Engagement Amb Jeffrey
Briefing With Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James F. Jeffrey Read More»
No Breakthrough at Astana Meeting
The latest “Astana group” meeting on Syria did not yield an agreed list of members for the Syrian Constitutional Committee and thus failed to produce progress toward advancing the political process in this tragic conflict. Read More»
Treasury Designates Illicit Russia-Iran Oil Network Supporting the Assad Regime
the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating nine targets in an international network through which the Iranian regime, working with Russian companies, provides millions of barrels of oil to the Syrian government. The Assad regime, in turn, facilitates Read More»
Sanctions Announcement on Iran
The United States today sanctioned an international network by which the Iranian regime and Russia are providing millions of barrels of oil to the Assad regime in exchange for the movement of hundreds of millions of dollars to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force, and for onward transfer to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and ... Read More»
Briefing on Syria
What we’re looking for is the enduring defeat of ISIS, a reinvigorated and irreversible political process in Syria led by the Syrian people and facilitated by the UN, and de-escalation of the conflict that will include all Iranian-commanded forces departing from the entirety of Syria. Read More»
Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Rukban
We welcome the news that the UN is finally able to begin delivering aid to the Rukban encampment from Damascus. This delivery comes after months of pressure from the United States, the UN, the UN Security Council, and wider international community for the Syrian regime to allow the UN to deliver critically-needed assistance to the ... Read More»
Under Secretary Hale’s Meeting With Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Onal
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale met Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal to discuss the U.S-Turkish bilateral relationship and regional affairs... Read More»
Decision by De Mistura To Finish His Tenure as UN Special Envoy for Syria
In his four years and four months as UN Special Envoy for Syria , Staffan de Mistura has worked tirelessly to find a solution to the Syrian crisis, saved lives by working to deescalate the violence that has engulfed the country, and eased suffering by constantly pressing for unhindered delivery of vital medical and humanitarian ... Read More»
Joint Statement on Syria
The text of the following statement on Syria was released by the Governments of Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Read More»
President Trump at the UNSC briefing on Counterproliferation
"The Syrian regime’s butchery is enabled by Russia and Iran. The Iranian regime exports violence, terror, and turmoil. It illicitly procures sensitive items to advance its ballistic missile program and proliferates these missiles all across the Middle East." Read More»
Remarks by President Trump to the 73rd Session of UNGA
"The ongoing tragedy in Syria is heartbreaking. Our shared goals must be the de-escalation of military conflict, along with a political solution that honors the will of the Syrian people. In this vein, we urge the United Nations-led peace process be reinvigorated. But, rest assured, the United States will respond if chemical weapons are deployed ... Read More»
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Syria
We consider any assault on Idlib to be a reckless escalation of the conflict. If Assad, Russia, and Iran continue down the path they are on, the consequences will be dire. The world will hold them responsible. And no number of Security Council meetings will ever change that. Read More»
U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Assad Regime’s Key ISIS Intermediary and
Qatirji maintains strong ties to the Syrian regime and facilitates fuel trade between the regime and ISIS, including providing oil products to ISIS-controlled territory. Read More»
The U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Supporters of the Syrian Regime
Today, the United States imposed financial sanctions on four individuals and five entities that have facilitated weapons or fuel transfers, or provided other financial or material support, to the Assad regime in Syria. Read More»
U.S., U.K., and France on the Fifth Anniversary of the CWs Attack in Ghouta
On the fifth anniversary of the horrific Ghouta Sarin attack, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France reiterate their condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. Read More»
Briefing on the Status of Syria Stabilization Assistance and Ongoing Efforts To Achieve an Enduring Defeat of ISIS
for today’s call, we’ll focus on the future of stabilization assistance in Syria and the ongoing efforts to achieve an enduring defeat of ISIS. As many of you have seen, we issued a statement earlier today announcing the diligent work that we’ve done to elicit significant contributions from our coalition partners, and how that has ... Read More»
Syria Stabilization Efforts Continue With Coalition Contributions
Our diplomats are working closely with the Department of Defense to support upcoming operations in eastern Syria by the Syrian Democratic Forces, and with Coalition capitals to support stabilization initiatives that enable Syrians to voluntarily and safely return to their homes in Raqqa and other former ISIS strongholds. Read More»
U.S. Welcomes Saudi Contribution for Stabilization Efforts in Syria
The United States applauds today’s announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of its generous contribution of $100 million for ongoing, Coalition-supported stabilization efforts in areas liberated from ISIS in Syria. Read More»
Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting With UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura
Secretary Pompeo and Special Envoy de Mistura agreed that all parties needed to move ahead on the political track and that any discussion of reconstruction was premature absent a political solution leading unalterably to both constitutional reform and free and fair elections as described in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Read More»
Issuance of Death Notices in Syria
The Syrian regime’s recent notices confirming the deaths of thousands of political prisoners in its custody affirms what the international community has long suspected and can never forget: the regime has systematically arrested, tortured, and murdered tens of thousands of Syrian civilians in response to their legitimate and nonviolent calls for their freedom, rights, and ... Read More»
U.S. Condemns Deadly Attacks in Syria’s Sweida Province
The Department of State strongly condemns today’s barbaric ISIS-claimed attacks that took place in Syria’s southwestern Sweida province, deliberately targeting and killing scores of civilians and injuring many more. We extend our condolences to the families of these innocent victims. Read More»
Statement on the Continued Success of Operations to Defeat ISIS in Syria
We congratulate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on their successful operations to liberate al-Dashisha, Syria, from the scourge of ISIS. Dashisha since 2013 has been a key stronghold and transit route for ISIS fighters, weapons, and suicide bombers between Syria and Iraq. The SDF now controls the area, with Iraqi Security Forces controlling the Iraqi ... Read More»
Evacuation of the White Helmets From Southwest Syria
The United States welcomes the safe evacuation of more than 400 members of the Syrian Civil Defense, otherwise known as the White Helmets, and their families from southwest Syria. We are glad that these brave volunteers, who have saved thousands of lives, are now out of harm's way. Read More»
Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS at NATO HQ
This meeting was also an opportunity for Ministers to discuss and pledge immediate stabilization assistance to support areas of Syria liberated from ISIS in Coalition-supported operations. Read More»
Readout of the Meeting in Morocco of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS
Senior diplomatic representatives from the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS met today in Morocco to review the global campaign. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition Brett McGurk provided an update on progress in Iraq and Syria and outlined the Coalition’s increasing focus on defeating ISIS’s global networks. Read More»
Reported Violations of the Southwest Ceasefire
The United States remains deeply troubled by reports of increasing Syrian regime operations in southwest Syria within the boundaries of the de-escalation zone negotiated between the United States, Jordan, and the Russian Federation last year and reaffirmed between Presidents Trump and Putin in Da Nang, Vietnam in November. Read More»
Secretary Pompeo’s Call With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The two discussed issues and concerns related to Syria and the bilateral relationship. Secretary Pompeo reemphasized the U.S. commitment to the southwest ceasefire arrangement that was approved by President Trump and President Putin one year ago. Read More»
Funding for the Syrian Civil Defense and UN International Impartial and Independent Mechanism
The President has authorized the United States Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of State to release approximately $6.6 million for the continuation of the vital, life-saving operations of the Syrian Civil Defense, more commonly known as the White Helmets, and the UN’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM). Read More»
Preserving the Southwest De-escalation Zone in Syria
The United States remains concerned by reports of impending Syrian government operations in southwest Syria within the boundaries of the de-escalation zone negotiated between the United States, Jordan, and the Russian Federation last year and reaffirmed between Presidents Trump and Putin in Da Nang, Vietnam in November. The United States remains committed to maintaining the ... Read More»
On the Occasion of Eid al-Fitr
This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, charity, compassion, and reflection. Eid al-Fitr reminds all of us in the United States and abroad, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to maintain the spirit and lessons of Ramadan throughout the year: to promote peace, to be of service to those who are suffering and ... Read More»
Support for Ongoing Defeat ISIS Operations in Syria
We welcome the launch on Sunday of operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS terrorists in Dashisha, Syria. Read More»
U.S.-Turkey Joint Statement
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mevlüt Çavusoğlu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met on June 4 in Washington, D.C. They reaffirmed that Turkey and the United States remain committed to addressing their common concerns in a spirit of allied partnership. Read More»
Amendments to the Terrorist Designations of al-Nusrah Front
The Department of State has amended the designation of al-Nusrah Front – an al-Qa’ida affiliate in Syria – to include Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other aliases. Read More»
Amb Haley on Syria Assuming the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament
It is shameful that a regime that continues to use chemical weapons to murder its own people has the audacity to accept the presidency of the very organization that established the Chemical Weapons Convention. Read More»
Assad Regime Intentions in the Southwest De-escalation Zone
The United States is concerned by reports of an impending Assad regime operation in southwest Syria within the boundaries of the de-escalation zone negotiated between the United States, Jordan, and the Russian Federation last year and reaffirmed between Presidents Trump and Putin in Da Nang, Vietnam in November. Read More»
After the Deal: A New Iran Strategy
"The IRGC has continued to pump thousands of fighters into Syria to prop up the murderous Assad regime and help make that country 71,000 square miles of kill zone. Iran perpetuates a conflict that has displaced more than 6 million Syrians inside the – 6 million Syrians and caused over 5 million to seek refuge ... Read More»
Report of the OPCW FFM in Syria Regarding an Alleged Incident in Saraqib, Syria on 4 Feb 2018
On May 15, 2018, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact-Finding Mission, released its report regarding an alleged incident in Saraqib, Syrian Arab Republic on 4 February 2018. The FFM “determined that chlorine, released from cylinders through mechanical impact, was likely used as a chemical weapon on 4 February 2018 in the Al ... Read More»
Secretary Pompeo On the Occasion of Ramadan
"On behalf of the United States Department of State, I offer best wishes to Muslims around the world for a peaceful and blessed Ramadan." Read More»
Launching of Operations To Liberate Final ISIS Strongholds in Syria
The United States, the Global Coalition, and local partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces, are launching operations to liberate the final ISIS strongholds in Syria. The fighting will be difficult, but we and our partners will prevail. Read More»
Secretary Pompeo at a Press Availability With Jordanian FM Ayman Safadi
"We must not let Syria again become a safe haven for ISIS or for any other terrorist group." Read More»
Secretary Pompeo’s Remarks With Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir
"Iran destabilizes this entire region. It supports proxy militias and terrorist groups. It is an arms dealer to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Iran conducts cyber hacking campaigns. Read More»
Acting Secretary of State Sullivan at a Press Availability in Toronto, Canada
"The U.S. will remain committed in Syria until ISIS is defeated and the so-called caliphate completely eliminated. We will work to ensure local forces enabled by our regional partners and allies will consolidate these gains, stabilize liberated territories, and prevent the return of ISIS. We will not leave a vacuum that can be exploited by the ... Read More»
Amb Satterfield Before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Middle East
"While preventing the use of chemical weapons in Syria is our immediate concern, the Administration’s priority remains the defeat of ISIS... Read More»
Amb Haley at an Emergency UN Security Council Meeting on Syria
"We did not give diplomacy just one chance. We gave diplomacy chance after chance. Six times: That’s how many times Russia vetoed Security Council resolutions to address chemical weapons in Syria. Our efforts go back even further. In 2013, the Security Council passed a resolution that required the Assad regime to destroy its stockpile of ... Read More»
Statement by President Trump on Syria
"The nations of Britain, France, and the United States of America have marshaled their righteous power against barbarism and brutality. Tonight, I ask all Americans to say a prayer for our noble warriors and our allies as they carry out their missions. We pray that God will bring comfort to those suffering in Syria. We ... Read More»
UNSC to Hold Emergency Meeting on Chemical Weapons Use in Syria
The United States, along with Cote d’Ivoire, France, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in light of the latest allegations of a chemical weapons attack in Douma Read More»
On the Chemical Attack in Douma
The regime’s history of using chemical weapons against its own people is not in dispute, and in fact nearly one year ago on April 4, 2017, Assad’s forces conducted a sarin gas attack on Khan Sheikhoun, which killed approximately 100 Syrians. Read More»
First Anniversary of the Sarin Attack in Khan Shaykhun, Syria
"One year ago today, the Assad regime launched a horrific attack using the nerve agent sarin against its own citizens in Khan Shaykhun, killing approximately 100 people – including many children – and injuring hundreds more." Read More»
Joint Statement on First Anniversary of Chemical Attack on Khan Sheikhoun, Syria
Today marks one year since the heinous attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, where Asad’s forces unleashed sarin nerve gas with tragic consequences for hundreds of men, women and children. Read More»
Amb Haley at a UNSC Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
"A responsible Security Council would express its outrage that at least 1,700 civilians were killed during a military campaign that we demanded to come to a halt. " Read More»
Concern over the Situation in Afrin, Syria
It appears the majority of the population of the city, which is predominantly Kurdish, evacuated under threat of attack from Turkish military forces and Turkish backed opposition forces. Read More»
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Syria Ceasefire Implementation
In the past 16 days, over 500 civilians have died, and some reports put the death toll even higher. This is unacceptable. Thousands of Syrians are in desperate need of medical care, but none of the UN’s list have been evacuated. Read More»
Statement by the Press Secretary on Russian & Syrian Regime Attacks on E Ghouta
The United States condemns the ongoing military offensive that the Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, is perpetrating against the people of Eastern Ghouta. After repeatedly delaying the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2401, which demanded a 30-day cessation of hostilities across Syria, Russia has gone on to ignore its terms and to kill innocent civilians under ... Read More»
Amb Currie at a UNSC Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
"Despite the unanimous call for a ceasefire, the regime’s attacks continue unabated. Hundreds of Syrians have been killed or injured since we passed the resolution on Saturday." Read More»
Amb Haley After the UN Security Council Votes for a Ceasefire in Syria
"It is critical that the Assad regime and its allies comply with our demand to stop the assault on eastern Ghouta and immediately allow food and medicine to reach everyone who needs it." Read More»
Ambassador Haley on the Suffering in Eastern Ghouta in Syria
00,000 Syrian civilians trapped in eastern Ghouta are living in a “hell on Earth.” That is because attacks by the Assad regime and its backers against these civilians grow worse by the day. Read More»
Amb Haley at a UN Security Council Meeting on Syria
The Assad regime has become a front for Iran, Hezbollah, and their allies to advance the irresponsible and dangerous agenda for the Middle East. On every front of this conflict, we find fighters imported by Iran from Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Read More»
Escalation of Violence in Eastern Ghouta and Idlib, Syria
The United States is extremely concerned about escalating violence in Idlib, the Damascus suburbs of Eastern Ghouta, and other areas of Syria threatened by ongoing regime and Russian airstrikes. Read More»
Chemical Weapons Attack in Saraqib, Syria
The United States is gravely alarmed by continued allegations of the use of chlorine gas by the Syrian Regime to terrorize innocent civilians, this time in Idlib Province near Saraqib. Read More»
Remarks by President Trump in State of the Union Address
"Last year, I also pledged that we would work with our allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the Earth. One year later, I am proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated very close to 100 percent of the territory just recently held by these killers in Iraq and in ... Read More»
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey
President Trump invited closer bilateral cooperation to address Turkey’s legitimate security concerns. The leaders discussed the need to stabilize a unified Syria that poses no threats to its neighbors, including Turkey. Read More»
International Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons
The Secretary of State’s participation in the January 23, 2018 Partnership launching conference illustrates the importance that the United States places to hold accountable those involved in the use of chemical weapons. Read More»
Remarks on Russia’s Responsibility for the Ongoing Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria
The recent attacks in East Ghouta raise serious concerns that Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime may be continuing its use of chemical weapons against its own people. Whoever conducted the attacks, Russia ultimately bears responsibility for the victims in East Ghouta and countless other Syrians targeted with chemical weapons since Russia became involved in Syria. Read More»
The Situation in Northwest Syria
We continue to be supportive of addressing the legitimate security concerns of Turkey as a NATO Ally and critical partner in the effort to defeat ISIS. However, we urge Turkey to exercise restraint and ensure that its military operations remain limited in scope and duration and scrupulous to avoid civilian casualties. Read More»
Remarks on the Way Forward for the United States Regarding Syria
The United States will maintain a military presence in Syria focused on ensuring ISIS cannot re-emerge. Our military mission in Syria will remain conditions-based. We cannot make the same mistakes that were made in 2011 when a premature departure from Iraq allowed al-Qaida in Iraq to survive and eventually morph into ISIS. Read More»
Remarks on the Way Forward for the United States Regarding Syria
The United States will maintain a military presence in Syria focused on ensuring ISIS cannot re-emerge. Our military mission in Syria will remain conditions-based. We cannot make the same mistakes that were made in 2011 when a premature departure from Iraq allowed al-Qaida in Iraq to survive and eventually morph into ISIS. Read More»
Statement by the President on the Iran Nuclear Deal
I hereby call on key European countries to join with the United States in fixing significant flaws in the deal, countering Iranian aggression, and supporting the Iranian people. If other nations fail to act during this time, I will terminate our deal with Iran. Those who, for whatever reason, choose not to work with us ... Read More»
Letter to D-ISIS Coalition Partners on the Progress of the Past Year
The fight is still ongoing in Syria. As I write this letter, SDF units are engaged in operations to remove ISIS from the Euphrates River Valley, and we anticipate these operations will continue over the first quarter of 2018. The focus will then shift to stabilization, and the United States is prepared to remain in ... Read More»
Humanitarian Evacuations in Eastern Ghouta, Syria
The United States welcomes the urgent and long awaited medical evacuations that took place over the past forty-eight hours from Eastern Ghouta in Syria. We also extend our gratitude to the humanitarian and medical professionals on the ground for their compassion and tireless work. Their dedication and efforts to save lives in the most difficult ... Read More»
Heather Nauert On Recent Round of Syria Talks in Geneva
We commend United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and his team for their efforts in the latest round of Syria talks in Geneva. We also note the constructive participation of the Syrian opposition delegation, which stands in contrast to the obstructionism and procrastination of the Syrian regime delegation. .. Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Retransmission of U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Security Message
The recent announcement that the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem may spark protests, some of which have the potential to become violent. The U.S. Consulate General reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security. ... Read More»
Statement On Riyadh Opposition Conference
The United States notes the successful conclusion of the Riyadh II conference of the Syrian opposition and its work to bring together a diverse array of groups to form a unified delegation that can enter into substantive negotiations in the upcoming round of UN sponsored talks in Geneva. Read More»
Amb Haley Condemns Russian Veto of a UNSCR to Renew the Work of the Independent Group Investigating CW Use
“Assad and ISIS will no longer be on notice for the use of chemical weapons by Russia’s actions today. The message to anyone listening is clear: in effect, Russia accepts the use of chemical weapons in Syria.” Read More»
Readout of the Meeting of the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Jordan
Senior diplomatic representatives from the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS met today in Jordan to review our global campaign to defeat this terrorist organization. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition Brett McGurk provided an update on progress in Iraq and Syria. Read More»
Joint Statement by the President of the United States and the President of the Russian Federation on Syria
The two Presidents affirmed that these steps must include full implementation of UNSCR 2254, including constitutional reform and free and fair elections under UN supervision, held to the highest international standards of transparency, with all Syrians, including members of the diaspora, eligible to participate. Read More»
Amb Haley on the Release of an Independent Report on CW Use in Syria
"Today, the OPCW issued a report concluding that the chemical weapon sarin was used in the March 30 attack on the Syrian town of Ltamenah... Read More»
Joint Investigative Mechanism Report on Khan Shaykhun and Um Housh
"This new report confirms unequivocally what the United States and many in the international community have stated publicly for many months – that the Assad regime carried out the heinous April 4 attack killing approximately 100 innocent Syrian civilians, including many children, and injuring hundreds more." Read More»
Ambassador Haley on the Release of a Report on Chemical Weapons Use in Syria
The findings issued today by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and United Nations’ Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) have concluded that the Assad regime used chemical weapons on over 100 innocent civilians using the poison gas sarin in Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, on April 4, 2017. Read More»
Press Availability in Geneva, Switzerland
"As we’ve said many times before, the United States wants a whole and unified Syria with no role for Bashar al-Assad in the government..." Secretary Tillerson Read More»
Statement by Ambassador Haley on Russia’s Veto of the Renewal of the Joint Investigative Mechanism on Chemical Weapons
"Russia has once again demonstrated it will do whatever it takes to ensure the barbaric Assad regime never faces consequences for its continued use of chemicals as weapons." Read More»
Secretary Tillerson on Raqqa’s Liberation From ISIS
We congratulate the Syrian people and the Syrian Democratic Forces, including the Syrian Arab Coalition, on the liberation of Raqqa. The United States is proud to lead the 73-member Global Coalition that supported this effort, which has seen ISIS’s so-called caliphate crumble across Iraq and Syria. Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Travel Warning – Syria
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately. The security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable. Violent conflict between government and armed anti-government groups continues throughout the country. There is a serious risk for kidnappings, bombings, murder, and terrorism. ... Read More»
Remarks by President Trump on Iran Strategy
"This regime has fueled sectarian violence in Iraq, and vicious civil wars in Yemen and Syria. In Syria, the Iranian regime has supported the atrocities of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and condoned Assad’s use of chemical weapons against helpless civilians." President Trump Read More»
Amb Haley at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian and Political Situation in Syria
Ambassador Haley highlighted the success of last week's high-level meeting to address humanitarian needs in Syria, but cautioned Member States against complacency. Read More»
Statement by Heather Nauert on Deaths of Orouba and Hala Barakat
Hala served as a journalist for Orient News and we remember the courageous work of her mother, Orouba, a Syrian activist who reported on the Syrian regime’s atrocities. The United States condemns the perpetrators of these murders and we will closely follow the investigation. Read More»
Joint Statement From the Ministerial Discussion on Syria
Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Egypt, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States met September 18 to discuss Syria and related issues. They agreed on the following points, which will guide their united efforts: Read More»
Heather Nauert On Civilian Victims of Syrian and Russian Airstrikes in Idlib and Hama Provinces
These attacks fit an all-too-familiar pattern in which medical facilities and personnel are victims of strikes by the Syrian regime and its Russian allies. Read More»
U.S. Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Syrian Crisis
Maintaining its steadfast commitment to getting lifesaving support to the people of Syria impacted by conflict wherever they are, the United States today announced more than $697 million in additional humanitarian assistance. Read More»
Remarks by President Trump to the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
"We seek the de-escalation of the Syrian conflict, and a political solution that honors the will of the Syrian people. The actions of the criminal regime of Bashar al-Assad, including .. Read More»
Briefing by Acting Assistant Secretary Satterfield following the ministerial discussion on Syria
"We’ve made clear many times that we do not believe at the end of this process that Assad should remain, that he has lost his legitimacy and his right to rule. But that is a decision for the Syrian people to make... Read More»
Acting Assistant Secretary of State David M. Satterfield Travel to Astana for Talks on Syria
Acting Assistant Secretary Satterfield will reinforce U.S. support for all efforts to achieve a sustainable de-escalation of violence and provision of unhindered humanitarian aid. Read More»
Fourth Anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Attack at Ghouta, Syria
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, under any circumstances. We reiterate our commitment not to tolerate such use and to ensure that those responsible face serious consequences. Read More»
Statement on the Murders of Syrian Civil Defense Workers in Idlib
These cowardly acts of masked men took the lives of civilian volunteers who work tirelessly as first responders in order to save lives in incredibly dangerous environments. Read More»
Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk provides an update on efforts to defeat ISIS.
"about 45 percent of Raqqa is now cleared. This is due to some key changes that were put in place very early on – three changes – initiatives from President Trump, and I’ll just highlight four of them.... Read More»
Execution of Bassel Khartabil
The United States is deeply saddened by reports of the execution of Syrian blogger and activist Bassel Khartabil by the Syrian regime. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. Read More»
Remarks at a Press Availability
"The second condition we have is that Iran’s military influence, the direct presence of Iranian military forces inside of Syria, they must leave and go home, whether those are Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces or whether those are paid militias, foreign fighters, that Iran has brought into Syria in this battle.... Read More»
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Hariri of Lebanon in Joint Press Conference
"With the support of Iran, the organization is also fueling the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. Hizballah likes to portray itself as a defender of Lebanese interests, but it's very clear that its true interests are those of itself and its sponsor -- Iran. Read More»
Amb Haley at a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East
Hizballah is a destructive terrorist force. It is a major obstacle to peace. And the dangers it poses are getting larger, not smaller. Read More»
US Applauds New EU Sanctions on Syrian Officers and Scientists Involved in the Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria
This action follows sanctions designations recently undertaken by the United States, similarly aimed at holding the Syrian regime accountable for its repeated use of chemicals weapons on the Syrian people, including the April 4 Khan Shaykhun attack. Read More»
SPE McGurk at the Small Group Session of the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS
"Local governance in Raqqa in the initial phases will be led by a Raqqa civilian council now based just north of Raqqa in Ayn Issa. This council includes nearly 120 individuals, most of whom stayed in Syria during the civil war and escaped from Raqqa and other towns within the province as ISIS moved in... Read More»
Release of FFM Report on April 4, 2017, Khan Shaykhun Sarin Attack
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact Finding Mission (FFM) issued a report confirming that sarin or a sarin-like chemical weapon was used on April 4, 2017, in Khan Shaykhun, Syria. Read More»
Readout of Special Presidential Envoy McGurk’s Trip to Syria
On June 28-29, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Brett McGurk was in Syria to consult with local partners on the campaign to defeat ISIS. He also witnessed first-hand the humanitarian and stabilization assistance that is underway in liberated areas north of Raqqa Read More»
Statement by Ambassador Nikki R. Haley on World Refugee Day
“The United States gives more humanitarian aid than any other country, but money alone is not enough—we must also work to end the conflicts that drive these people from their homes, while tearing apart their countries." Read More»
Secretary Tillerson On World Refugee Day
"As we mark World Refugee Day, we will continue to aid those who have been forced from their homes, address the root causes of their displacement, and foster long-term solutions to humanitarian crises." Read More»
Ceasefire in Southwest Syria
"We will judge ceasefire in southern Syria by results, not words." Read More»
SDF Begins Raqqah Offensive
"The fight for Raqqah will be long and difficult, but the offensive would deliver a decisive blow to the idea of ISIS as a physical caliphate" - Lt. Gen. Steve Townsend. Read More»
Ambassador Haley at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
"According to one Syrian human rights group, in just the month of April, the Assad regime killed nearly 500 civilians. That brings the total number of Syrians killed by the regime in just the past five months to over 2,000. The same group reports that the total number of civilians killed by all parties during ... Read More»
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Ramadan
"This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan. Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology. .." Read More»
Secretary Tillerson wishes Muslims around the world a peaceful and blessed Ramadan
"This time reminds us all of the common values of harmony and empathy we hold dear..." Read More»
President Trump’s Speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit
"If we do not act against this organized terror, then we know what will happen. Terrorism’s devastation of life will continue to spread. Peaceful societies will become engulfed by violence. And the futures of many generations will be sadly squandered." Read More»
Treasury Sanctions Additional Individuals and Entities In Response to Continuing Violent Attacks on Syrian Citizens by the Syrian Government
"As long as the Syrian government continues its campaign of brutal violence against its own people, Treasury will continue targeting the finances of anyone enabling Assad, and will continue intensifying pressure on Assad’s regime in support of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Syria." Read More»
Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Stuart Jones on Syria
"The Syrian regime has authorized the extrajudicial killings of thousands of detainees using mass hangings at the Saydnaya military prison" - Acting Assistant Secretary Jones Read More»
Secretary Tillerson’s Meeting With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the importance of defeating ISIS, de-escalating the violence in Syria, and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches hundreds of thousands of civilians throughout the country... Read More»
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia
President Trump emphasized the need to work together to end the conflict in Syria, in particular, underscoring the need for Russia to rein in the Assad regime, Iran, and Iranian proxies.... Read More»
Statement on Russia, Turkey, and Iran’s De-Escalation Zones Plan for Syria
The United States supports any effort that can genuinely de-escalate the violence in Syria, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, focus energies on the defeat of ISIS and other terrorists, and create the conditions for a credible political resolution of the conflict. Read More»
Readout of President Trump’s Call with President Vladimir Putin
President Trump and President Putin agreed that the suffering in Syria has gone on for far too long and that all parties must do all they can to end the violence. Read More»
Ambassador Nikki Haley Meets with Raed Saleh, Head of the Syrian White Helmets
Ambassador Haley and Mr. Saleh discussed continued U.S. support for the White Helmets, who risk their lives every day as the first responders, rescuing and giving medical care to civilians caught in the brutal fighting in Syria. Read More»
Treasury Sanctions 271 Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center Staff in Response to Sarin Attack on Khan Sheikhoun
“These sweeping sanctions target the scientific support center for Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s horrific chemical weapons attack on innocent civilian men, women, and children... Read More»
Statement on Syria Bombing
The United States strongly condemns today's barbaric attacks against innocent civilians, including women and children, in northern Syria. Read More»
Press Availability on Syria
" I hope that what the Russian Government concludes is that they have aligned themselves with an unreliable partner in Bashar al-Assad... Read More»
Ambassador Haley at a UN Security Council Meeting on the Situation in Syria
The moral stain of the Assad regime could no longer go unanswered. His crimes against humanity could no longer be met with empty words. Read More»
Remarks With National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster on Syria
We feel the strike itself was proportional because it was targeted at the facility that delivered this most recent chemical weapons attack. Read More»
Statement by President Trump on Syria
I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. Read More»
Amb Haley at an Emergency UN Security Council Meeting on Chemical Weapons in Syria
We cannot close our eyes to those pictures. We cannot close our minds of the responsibility to act." Read More»
Secretary Tillerson on Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria
Anyone who uses chemical weapons to attack his own people shows a fundamental disregard for human decency and must be held accountable. Read More»
Statement on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
Using starvation as a weapon of war is unconscionable. The Council should strongly condemn the Syrian regime and its allies for their immoral denial of essential goods and medicine as a tool to force their own people to surrender.... Read More»
Secretary Tillersaon’s Remarks With Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu
"Our discussions today reaffirmed that we will prevent the resurgence of Daesh in previously held territory, and aggressively stop the emergence of new terrorist threats on the ground as well as the recruitment of terrorists online... Read More»
SecTillerson at the Ministerial Plenary for the Global Coalition Working to Defeat ISIS
The flow of foreign terrorist fighters into Syria and Iraq is down 90 percent over the past year. It is harder for terrorists to get in, and more importantly, harder for them to get out to threaten our homelands. Read More»
The Global Coalition – Working to Defeat ISIS
Coalition air assets have conducted more than 19,000 strikes on ISIS targets, removing tens of thousands ISIS fighters from the battlefield and killing over 180 senior to mid-level ISIS leaders, including nearly all of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's deputies, his so-called ministers of war, information, finance, oil and gas, and his chief of external operations. Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Syria Travel Warning Update
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately. The security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable. Violent conflict between government and armed anti-government groups continues throughout the country. There is a serious risk for kidnappings, bombings, murder, and terrorism. ... Read More»
Amb Haley Meets with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura
Ambassador Haley and Special Envoy de Mistura agreed that all sides must come to the next round of talks prepared to negotiate in good faith. Read More»
Fact Sheet: Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry To The United States
The Refugee Admissions Program will be temporarily suspended for the next 120 days while DHS and interagency partners review screening procedures to ensure refugees admitted in the future do not pose a security risk to the United States. Read More»
Secretary Tillerson on the President’s Executive Order
To our allies and partners around the world: Please understand this order is part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate vulnerabilities that radical Islamist terrorists can and will exploit for destructive ends. Read More»
Executive Order Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States
The screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with the visa-issuance process and the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) play a crucial role in detecting foreign nationals who may commit, aid, or support acts of terrorism and in preventing those individuals from entering the United States. It is therefore the policy of the United ... Read More»
Remarks by President Trump in Joint Address to Congress
"Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies all across the globe.... Read More»
Explanation of Vote on a Draft UN Security Council Resolution on Syria Chemical Weapons
"ISIS’ barbarity is no excuse for Assad’s barbarity. Both used chemical weapons. Both should face the consequences... Read More»
Ambassador Haley after UN Security Council Consultations on the Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria
"You are either for chemical weapons or you’re against it. People died because of this, and the United States isn’t going to be quiet... Read More»
Amb Haley at Informal Consultations of the UN General Assembly on the UN Counterterrorism Architecture
"The United States will not hesitate to stand against the forces of terrorism, and that includes standing against the states that sponsor it, in particular the Islamic Republic of Iran.... Read More»
READOUT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT’S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER YILDIRIM OF TURKEY
The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Yildirim for Turkey's significant contributions to the counter-ISIS campaign, and expressed his condolences for Turkish loss of life in the fight against terrorism... Read More»
Statement by the National Security Advisor Michael Flynn on Recent Iranian Actions in the Region
"The Trump Administration condemns such actions by Iran that undermine security, prosperity, and stability throughout and beyond the Middle East.." Read More»
Presidential Memorandum Plan to Defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria
ISIS attacks against our allies and partners continue to mount. The United States must take decisive action to defeat ISIS.... Read More»
Readout of the President’s Call with King Salman bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia
They agreed on the importance of working jointly to address challenges to regional peace and security, including the conflicts in Syria and Yemen... Read More»
READOUT OF THE PRESIDENT’S CALL WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN
The call lasted approximately one hour and ranged in topics from mutual cooperation in defeating ISIS to efforts in working together to achieve more peace throughout the world including Syria. Read More»
President Trump’s Inaugural Address
"Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition." Read More»
SDF & Syrian Arab Coalition have continued their progress, isolating Raqqa.
Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesperson, Col John Dorrian, on Coalition efforts against ISIL in Syria January 17, 2017 The Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition have continued their progress, isolating Raqqa. Since their operation started November 5th, our partner forces liberated 3,172 square kilometers of terrain and moved within five kilometers of Tabaqah Dam ... Read More»
Treasury Sanctions Syrian Officials In Connection With OPCW-UN Findings Of Regime’s Use Of CW On Civilians
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is taking action in response to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) - United Nations (UN) Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) findings that the Syrian regime used industrial chlorine as a weapon against its own people. Read More»
Military strategies pursued by the regime and its backers will only lengthen the war and generate more extremists
"After more than five years of tragedy, this much remains clear: It is only through a political solution that ultimately the country can be unified, the country can be rebuilt, and the violence can actually be stopped" Read More»
Amb Sison following the adoption of UNSCR2336 on Syria
"we are concerned at reports of a regime offensive, supported by Hizballah militia, in Wadi Barada. The Security Council's adoption of this text should be seen as a strong signal that such activities must cease." Read More»
Toner: News of a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war is a positive development
Any effort that stops the violence, saves lives, and creates the conditions for renewed and productive political negotiations would be welcome. Read More»
Unanimous Renewal by the UN Security Council of the Joint Investigative Mechanism
We welcome the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2319 to renew for another year the vital work of the Organization for the Prohibition Chemical Weapons (OPCW) - United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) whose mission it is to determine attribution of confirmed chemical weapons (CW) use in Syria. Read More»
Statement by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice on Attacks Against Hospitals and First Responders in Syria
The United States condemns in the strongest terms these horrific attacks against medical infrastructure and humanitarian aid workers. There is no excuse for these heinous actions. Read More»
Amb Power at a UNSC Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
"Today, I would like to specify some of the names of those involved since 2011 in killing and injuring civilians by conducting air and ground-based Syrian government military assaults on cities, residential areas, and civilian infrastructure." Read More»
U.S. Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Syrian Crisis
The United States is providing more than $364 million in additional lifesaving humanitarian assistance for those affected by the war in Syria, as world leaders gathered during the UN General Assembly to galvanize significant new global commitments to increase support for refugees. This announcement, which brings U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to this conflict to ... Read More»
Amb Power at a Meeting of the General Assembly on the Situation in Syria
The solution is also for Russia to stop using the privilege of holding a permanent seat on the UN Security Council to veto every resolution that demands an end to the attacks. Read More»
Mark Toner on The Fourth Report of the Joint Investigative Mechanism
A little over a year ago, the UN Security Council voted unanimously, through Resolution 2235 (2015) to establish the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) to determine attribution of confirmed chemical weapon use in Syria. The JIM, an independent, neutral expert panel conducted a year-long investigation into nine instances of confirmed or likely use of chemicals as ... Read More»
Suspension of Participation In Bilateral Channels With Russia Established To Sustain The Cessation of Hostilities In Syria
The United States is suspending its participation in bilateral channels with Russia that were established to sustain the Cessation of Hostilities. This is not a decision that was taken lightly. The United States spared no effort in negotiating and attempting to implement an arrangement with Russia aimed at reducing violence, providing unhindered humanitarian access, and ... Read More»
Amb Power at a UN Security Council briefing on Syria
We have convened the Security Council today because the Russian Federation and the Assad regime have launched an all-out air and ground offensive against eastern Aleppo and its 275,000 civilians. Russia and Assad have reportedly launched more than 150 airstrikes over the last 72 hours, killing at least 139 people and injuring hundreds more, laying ... Read More»
Joint Statement on Syria by the Foriegn Ministers of France, Italy, Germany, The United Kingdom, The United States, And the HIGH Rep of EU
The foreign ministers of France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union have released the following joint statement: [Begin text] The devastating events in Syria this week underscore what we have been saying for some time: the burden is on Russia to prove it is willing ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry’s remarks at the Council Session on Syria
SECRETARY KERRY: Mr. President, good morning, and good morning to all of our colleagues here on the United Nations Security Council. I want to thank my colleague from New Zealand particularly for hosting this very important session on the crisis in Syria. And I think it’s appropriate that we are gathering here a couple of rooms ... Read More»
MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYRIA SUPPORT GROUP, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 20, 2016 The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Members of the ISSG met this morning in New York City to take measure of the situation in Syria. They agreed that, despite continued violence, there was still an imperative to pursue a nationwide cessation of ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY JOHN KIRBY ON THE CURRENT SITUATION IN SYRIA, SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
Press Statement John Kirby Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC September 19, 2016 We’ve seen reports from various parties today about the status of the situation in Syria, seven days after the Geneva arrangement went into effect. That arrangement is clear: there must be increased and sustained access for the delivery ... Read More»
AMB POWER BEFORE UN SECURITY COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS ON SYRIA, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City September 17, 2016 AS DELIVERED Good evening, everybody. We are still gathering information at this time, but we have been able to confirm that, earlier today, the United States struck what we believed to be ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY THE U.S. SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA MICHAEL RATNEY ON THE DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES, AUGUST 29, 2016
U.S. Department Of State Office Of The Special Envoy For Syria 29 August 2016 Statement on the Discussions Between Russia and the United States Since the beginning of the revolution, the United States and its regional allies have sought to enable the opposition to build a better future for the Syrian people and to ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY ON SYRIAN REFUGEE ADMISSIONS, AUGUST 29, 2016
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 29, 2016 A year ago, President Obama set the goal of welcoming at least 10,000 of the most vulnerable refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria to the United States. Today, by committing additional resources to our refugee admissions process and maintaining our rigorous screening ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY AMB POWER ON THE REPORT OF THE OPCW-UN JOINT INVESTIGATIVE MECHANISM ON THE USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN SYRIA, AUGUST 24, 2016
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City August 24, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The United States welcomes the submission of the report of the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) on the use of chemical weapons in Syria. We are reviewing its findings ... Read More»
U.S. PARTICIPATES IN TRILATERAL MEETING ON NEXT STEPS IN SYRIA, JULY 26, 2016
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 26, 2016 The United States participated in a trilateral meeting today in Geneva with Russian officials, convened by the UN Special Envoy Staffan De Mistura. The UN Special Envoy updated the two chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the United States and Russia, on ... Read More»
READOUT OF SECRETARY KERRY’S MEETING WITH UN SPECIAL ENVOY STAFFAN DE MISTURA, JULY 19, 2016
Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 19, 2016 The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary Kerry met today in London with UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura to discuss the situation in Syria and ongoing efforts to achieve a political solution to the conflict there. The Secretary thanked Special Envoy ... Read More»
READOUT OF SECRETARY KERRY’S MEETING WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN, JULY 14, 2016
Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 14, 2016 The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary Kerry met this evening in Moscow with Russian President Putin to advance efforts to restore the nationwide cessation of hostilities in Syria and to establish conditions that can enable political transition talks to resume between ... Read More»
U.S. HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN RESPONSE TO THE SYRIAN CRISIS, JULY 12, 2016
Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 12, 2016 Secretary Kerry announced today that the United States is providing nearly $439 million in additional lifesaving humanitarian assistance for those affected by the war in Syria. This new funding brings U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to this conflict to nearly $5.6 billion since ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION OF EID AL-FITR, JULY 6, 2016
The White House Office of the Press Secretary July 06, 2016 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid al-Fitr, July 6, 2016 Upon the arrival of a new crescent moon, Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the United States and around the globe. For Muslim ... Read More»
READOUT OF THE PRESIDENT’S CALL WITH PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN OF RUSSIA, JULY 06, 2016
The White House Office of the Press Secretary July 06, 2016 Readout of the President’s Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia President Obama spoke today by phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to discuss President Putin’s June 20 meeting with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Serzh Sargsian of Armenia regarding the settlement ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION OF RAMADAN, JUNE 05, 2016
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 05, 2016 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan As another new moon heralds the start of the holy month of Ramadan, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to Muslims across the United States and around the world. For ... Read More»
STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYRIA SUPPORT GROUP, MAY 17, 2016
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC May 17, 2016 Meeting in Vienna on May 17, 2016, as the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the Arab League, Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, the European Union, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, The Netherlands, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, ... Read More»
JOINT STATEMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE UNITED STATES ON SYRIA, MAY 9, 2016
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC May 9, 2016 The Russian Federation and the United States of America, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), recognize the progress that has been made with respect to the cessation of hostilities (CoH) in Syria, in accordance with our Joint Statement of February ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY ON ATTACK ON AL-QUDS HOSPITAL IN ALEPPO, SYRIA, APRIL 28, 2016
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 28, 2016 We are outraged by yesterday’s airstrikes in Aleppo on the al-Quds hospital supported by both Doctors Without Borders and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which killed dozens of people, including children, patients, and medical personnel. While we are still trying ... Read More»
READOUT OF THE PRESIDENT’S CALL WITH PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN OF RUSSIA, APRIL 18, 2016
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release April 18, 2016 Readout of the President’s Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Obama spoke today by phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to share his concern over the status of the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria between the Syrian ... Read More»
SECRETARY KERRY’S PHONE CALL WITH FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV, APRIL 15, 2016
Readout John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 15, 2016 The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary of State John Kerry spoke today via phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to reiterate our serious concerns over the ongoing threats to the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria and the urgent need ... Read More»
SPOKESPERSON KIRBY ON MURDER OF DR. HASSAM MOHAMMED AL- ARAJ, APRIL 14, 2016
John Kirby Spokesperson Daily Press Briefing Washington, DC April 14, 2016 On Syria, we were appalled to learn today of the death of Dr. Hassan Mohammed al-Araj in Hama, Syria – a doctor, of course – killed from an alleged airstrike. He was a widely respected and beloved medical professional in Syria, regarded throughout ... Read More»
STATEMENT ON MURDER OF MOHAMMED ZAHIR AL-SHERQAT, APRIL 13, 2016
Press Statement John Kirby Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC April 13, 2016 The United States condemns Daesh’s vicious murder this week in Gaziantep, Turkey of television journalist Mohammed Zahir al-Sherqat, who courageously worked to expose Daesh’s hypocrisy. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. al-Sherqat, who is ... Read More»
SECRETARY KERRY’S CALL WITH UN SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA STAFFAN DE MISTURA, APRIL 13, 2016
Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 13, 2016 The below is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary Kerry spoke with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura this morning to discuss today’s resumption in Geneva of UN-led Syria negotiations. Secretary Kerry reaffirmed strong U.S. support for the talks to focus ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY SPOKESPERSON KIRBY ON ATTACKS IN DEIR AL ASAFIR, SYRIA, MARCH 31, 2016
John Kirby Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC March 31, 2016 The United States is appalled by aerial strikes March 31, reportedly by the Assad regime, on a school and hospital in the Damascus suburb of Deir Al Asafir, where more than 20 people are believed to have been killed and ... Read More»
THE UNITED STATES ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PLEDGES IN SUPPORT OF SYRIAN REFUGEES, MARCH 30, 2016
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 30, 2016 Today, at a high-level meeting convened by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on “Global Responsibility Sharing through Pathways for Admission of Syrian Refugees” held in Geneva, Switzerland, Deputy Secretary of State Heather Higginbottom announced additional steps the United ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY US SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA MICHAEL RATNEY ON HUMANITARIAN ACCESS ACHIEVED UNDER THE ISSG, 9 March 2016
US Department of State Office of the Special Envoy for Syria 9 March 2016 Statement on Humanitarian Access Achieved under the ISSG Humanitarian access has significantly improved for many of the hard-to-reach and besieged locations prioritized by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) Humanitarian Task Force for Phase One operations on February 12. As of March ... Read More»
JOINT STATEMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, AS CO-CHAIRS OF THE ISSG, ON CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN SYRIA, FEBRUARY 22, 2016
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC February 22, 2016 The United States of America and the Russian Federation, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and seeking to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis with full respect for the fundamental role of the United Nations, are fully determined to ... Read More»
STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYRIA SUPPORT GROUP, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC February 11, 2016 Meeting in Munich on February 11 & 12, 2016, as the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the Arab League, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, ... Read More»
NEW U.S. ASSISTANCE TO RESPOND TO SYRIA CRISIS, FEBRUARY 4, 2016
Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC February 4, 2016 Secretary Kerry announced today that the United States is providing nearly $601 million in additional life-saving humanitarian assistance for those affected by the war in Syria. This new funding brings U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to this conflict to more than $5.1 billion since ... Read More»
REMARKS BY SECRETARY KERRY AT THE SYRIA DONORS CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 4, 2016
Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State London, United Kingdom February 4, 2016 Well, your excellencies all, I’m cutting down significantly because we were originally given a little more time, but I’m very happy to try to fit it all in as quickly as I can. After almost five years of fighting, it’s pretty incredible that ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY US SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA MICHAEL RATNEY ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE SYRIA NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA, FEBRUARY 4, 2016
U.S. Department of State Office of The Special Envoy for Syria Statement on the Suspension of the Syria Negotiations in Geneva As Secretary Kerry noted on 3 February 2016, “The continued assault by Syrian regime forces — enabled by Russian airstrikes — against opposition-held areas, as well as regime and allied militias’ continued besiegement of ... Read More»
SECRETARY KERRY ON THE NEED TO SUPPORT A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE SYRIAN CRISIS, FEBRUARY 3, 2016
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC February 3, 2016 The continued assault by Syrian regime forces — enabled by Russian airstrikes — against opposition-held areas, as well as regime and allied militias’ continued besiegement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, have clearly signaled the intention to seek a military solution rather than ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY U.S. SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA MICHAEL RATNEY ON TODAY’S BOMBINGS IN DAMASCUS, JANUARY 31, 2016
U.S. Department Of State Office Of The Special Envoy For Syria January 31, 2016 Statement by U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Michael Ratney on today’s bombings in Damascus We strongly condemn ISIL’s suicide bombings today in Damascus, which resulted in dozens of people killed and injured. We extended our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. ... Read More»
VIDEO STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY ON SYRIA NEGOTIATIONS, JANUARY 31, 2016
Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State State Department Washington, DC January 31, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: For almost five years, the world has watched in horror as Syria has disintegrated into a brutal conflict, killing hundreds of thousands and displacing millions both within and outside the country. Syria today is an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, unmatched since World ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA MICHAEL RATNEY WELCOMING THE DECISION OF THE HIGH NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE, JANUARY 29, 2016
U.S. Department of State Office Of The Special Envoy For Syria January 29, 2016 Statement by Special Envoy for Syria Michael Ratney Welcoming the Decision of the High Negotiations Committee As Secretary Kerry announced today, the United States welcomes the important decision by the High Negotiating Committee of the Syrian opposition to attend negotiations hosted ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY ON THE SYRIA NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA, JANUARY 29, 2016
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC January 29, 2016 The United States welcomes the important decision by the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian opposition to attend negotiations hosted by the United Nations in Geneva. The United States also reiterates that UN Security Council Resolution 2254 must be fully implemented by all ... Read More»
AMB. POWER ON THE SITUATION IN SYRIA, JANUARY 18, 2016
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City January 18, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today, the United Nations Security Council heard a briefing from Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Staffan de Mistura, who briefed the Council on the situation in Syria, including ... Read More»
SPOKESPERSON KIRBY ON HUMANITARIAN ACCESS IN SYRIA. JAN. 15, 2016
U.S. Department of State Office of The Spokesperson Spokesperson Kirby January 15, 2016 Yesterday, a second joint UN-ICRC-Syrian Arab Red Crescent humanitarian convoy of over 60 aid trucks reached the towns of Madaya, Foah, and Kefraya, where staff immediately distributed flour, winter clothes, blankets, and specialized health and nutrition supplies. Medical personnel and nutritionists are accompanying the convoy ... Read More»
AMB. POWER ON HUMANITARIAN ACCESS IN SYRIA, JANUARY 11, 2016
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City January 11, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The reports of starvation coming out of Madaya and other besieged regions of Syria are horrific. Before today’s delivery, the approximately 40,000 people in Madaya had received almost no humanitarian ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Syria Travel Warning Update
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated August 27, 2015, to remind U.S. citizens that the security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable as violent conflict between government and armed ... Read More»
Amb. Power on the Adoption of UNSCR-2258 on the Mandate Renewal for Humanitarian Access in Syria
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City December 22, 2015 The briefing in the Security Council yesterday by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres and Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Assistant Secretary-General Kang was clear: the humanitarian situation in Syria ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry at a Press Availability with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura
Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State New York, NY December 18, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good evening, everybody. Thank you very much for coming. First of all, I want to express again my appreciation and the appreciation of all of the P5 members of the International Syria Support Group who worked through the day, and ... Read More»
Remarks by Secretary Kerry at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on Syria
Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State New York, NY December 18, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Mr. Secretary-General, Special Envoy de Mistura, distinguished colleagues, I want to begin by thanking the other P4 members who joined together to help fashion this resolution and who spent time this morning working with our colleagues in order to bring us here ... Read More»
Press Conference by the President
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 2:06 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Clearly, this is not the most important event that’s taking place in the White House today. There is a screening of Star Wars for Gold Star families and children coming up. So I’ll try to be relatively succinct. Let me say ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry’s Call With President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition
Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC November 16, 2015 The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary Kerry spoke today via telephone with the President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition, Khaled Khoja. The Secretary and Khoja discussed the results of Saturday’s meeting in Vienna of the International Syria Support Group and of the ... Read More»
Statement of the International Syria Support Group
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC November 14, 2015 Meeting in Vienna on November 14, 2015 as the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the Arab League, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and ... Read More»
Readout of the President’s Calls with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release November 09, 2015 Readout of the President’s Calls with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey The President spoke separately today by phone with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey to congratulate the Turkish people ... Read More»
Statement by Members of the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC November 4, 2015 The Small Group of the Global Coalition to counter ISIL met today in Brussels at the invitation of the Belgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders, to take stock of recent developments on the ground, continue expanding Coalition efforts to ... Read More»
Additional Assistance for the Syrian Opposition
Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC October 31, 2015 As Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced today at the Manama Dialogue, the United States will provide nearly $100 million in new assistance to the Syrian opposition, bringing the total support we have committed and are providing to the Syrian opposition since 2012 ... Read More»
Vienna Communiqué on Syria
“Meeting in Vienna, on October 30, 2015, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States [“the participants”] came together to discuss the grave situation in Syria and how to bring about an end ... Read More»
Remarks by Secretary Kerry at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 28, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: (Applause.) Thank you very much. Thank you all very, very much. Bill, thanks so much for welcoming me to your new home, but thank you for remarkably generous comments. I’m very, really touched to hear them from somebody of Bill’s caliber, because as ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry’s Meetings In Riyadh
Readout John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC October 24, 2015 Secretary Kerry met tonight with Saudi King Salman, and enjoyed a working dinner afterward with the Crown Prince, Deputy Crown Prince, Foreign Minister and other senior Saudi officials. The group discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral security issues, to include the conflict in ... Read More»
Remarks by Secretary Kerry to the Press in Vienna, Austria
Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Imperial Hotel Vienna, Austria October 23, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: So let me start by saying that I am convinced, having been part of this process since the day I became Secretary, that today’s meeting was constructive and productive and succeeded in surfacing some ideas which I’m not going to share ... Read More»
Remarks at a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City October 22, 2015 AS DELIVEREDThank you, Foreign Minister García-Margallo, for chairing this session. Thank you, Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson, for your thorough briefing. Distinguished Foreign Ministers, thank you for joining us today. Across Israel, Jerusalem, the West ... Read More»
Press Conference by the President
3:55 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: I’m going to take a couple of questions from the press. But first, a few additional pieces of business. First of all, we learned today that our businesses created another 118,000 new jobs in September, which means that we now have had 67 straight months of job creation; 13.2 million ... Read More»
Joint Declaration on the Recent Military Actions of the Russian Federation in Syria
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC October 2, 2015 We, the Governments of France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States of America state the following in view of the recent military actions of the Russian Federation in Syria: Begin Text: We express our deep concern with regard to the ... Read More»
Joint Communique Following the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the GCC-U.S. Strategic Cooperation Forum
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 30, 2015 The U.S. Secretary of State joined Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Secretary General of the GCC today in New York for a ministerial meeting of the GCC-U.S. Strategic Cooperation Forum (SCF). It was the fifth SCF since its ... Read More»
Uniting Against Threats to Cultural Heritage in Iraq and Syria
Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 30, 2015 The terrorist group known as ISIL, or Daesh, is continuing its campaign of destruction and looting at historic sites in Iraq and Syria. These sites have been preserved for millennia in both Iraq and Syria, whose people are suffering enormous human hardships and losing ... Read More»
Remarks by Secretary Kerry at a Meeting on International Peace and Security and Countering Terrorism
Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State United Nations New York City, DC September 30, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Mr. President, thank you very much and thank you for the chance to address this council, to all the colleagues on the Security Council. I appreciate the fact that Russia’s presidency has chosen to focus on this issue, and ... Read More»
Rewards for Justice – Reward Offers for Information that Leads to Disruption of Financing of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 29, 2015 The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program is offering rewards for information that will disrupt the trade of oil and trafficking of antiquities that benefit the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The Secretary of State has authorized ... Read More»
Remarks by President Obama at the Leaders’ Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism
The White House Office of the Press Secretary September 29, 2015 Remarks by President Obama at the Leaders’ Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism, September 29, 2015 United Nations Headquarters New York, New York 10:53 A.M. EDT PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, heads of state and government. Last year, here at the ... Read More»
Statement by the Members of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL: The Coalition at One Year
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 28, 2015 In the year since the formation of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL we have made progress on our campaign to degrade and defeat this unprecedented terrorist scourge. As we have acknowledged from the beginning, this will be a long-term campaign. But the situation ... Read More»
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release September 23, 2015 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha As more than 2 million Muslims from around the world and across the United States mark the end of their holy pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca, Michelle and I ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary Kerry On Eid al-Adha
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 23, 2015 Teresa and I extend our best wishes to Muslims around the world for a blessed Eid al-Adha. We congratulate the nearly three million Muslims – including thousands of Americans – who are performing Hajj this year in fulfillment of one of the fundamental ... Read More»
New U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to Respond to Syria Crisis
Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 21, 2015 The White House announced today that the United States is providing nearly $419 million in additional life-saving assistance for those affected by the war in Syria. This new funding brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to this conflict to more than $1.6 ... Read More»
The Zabadani Women’s Initiative
Press Statement John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC September 11, 2015 The United States is deeply concerned about thousands of Syrian civilians trapped in Zabadani, a besieged Syrian town near the Lebanese border that has been subjected for months to relentless regime airstrikes and barrel bombs, as well as ground attacks by Hezbollah. The Asad ... Read More»
Readout of U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Michael Ratney’s Trip to Moscow
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC August 28, 2015 U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Michael Ratney visited Moscow today, August 28, for consultations with Russian officials on the ongoing conflict in Syria. These meetings in Moscow are part of consultations to follow up on Secretary Kerry’s recent discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Syria Travel Warning Update
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated March 3, 2015, to remind U.S. citizens that the security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable as a violent conflict between government and ... Read More»
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on the Market Bombing in Douma, Syria
The White House Office Of The Press Secretary August 17, 2015 The United States strongly condemns the deadly airstrikes yesterday by the Asad regime on a market in the Damascus suburb of Douma, where more than 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured, including scores of innocent women and children. We extend our deepest ... Read More»
Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Syrian Regime’s Ongoing Use of Barrel Bombs
Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Syrian Regime’s Ongoing Use of Barrel Bombs in Civilian Areas The United States strongly condemns the Assad regime’s intensified bombing of civilians and civilian infrastructure across Syria, along with its continued use of barrel bombs. Since the first week of July, the ... Read More»
John Kirby on release of Mazen Darwish
Press Statement John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC August 10, 2015 We welcome the release of prominent Syrian human rights activist Mazen Darwish. We note reports that while Mazen Darwish is no longer incarcerated, we understand that he still faces trial for his work as a human rights activist. We call on the Syrian regime ... Read More»
Explanation of Vote at a UN Security Council Vote on Resolution 2235 on a Syria Chemical Weapons Joint Investigative Mechanism
Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations New York, NY August 7, 2015 Thank you, Madame President. Today, the UN Security Council has taken another step aimed at stopping the use of chemical weapons in Syria. The step is necessary because – despite our previous efforts to stop the use of chemical weapons – the ... Read More»
ISIL Kidnappings in Homs, Syria
Press Statement Mark C. Toner Deputy Department Spokesperson Washington, DC August 7, 2015 The United States strongly condemns #ISIL’s kidnapping this week of a reported 230 innocent civilians, including women and children, in the central Syrian province of Homs. ISIL’s attacks have also resulted in the displacement of an estimated 2,000 people from nearby villages. ... Read More»
A Message to the Syrian People from Michael Ratney, the new US Special Envoy for Syria
U.S. Department Of State Washington D.C. July 28, 2015 A Message to the Syrian People from Michael Ratney, the new U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Al Salam Aleikum…I am Michael Ratney, the new U.S. Special Envoy for Syria. First, I want to greet the Syrian people and express my deep commitment to doing everything I ... Read More»
Treasury Sanctions key Hezbollah Leaders for their support to Asad’s ruthless Military Campaign in Syria
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury today imposed sanctions against a set of key Hizballah leaders, military officials, and an associate in Lebanon, further exposing and targeting Hizballah’s active support to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Hizballah’s terrorist activities. Today, Treasury designated Mustafa Badr Al Din, Fu’ad Shukr, and Ibrahim Aqil ... Read More»
The United States and the United Arab Emirates launched The Sawab Center
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 8, 2015 The United States and the United Arab Emirates today launched The Sawab Center,* the first-ever multinational online messaging and engagement program, in support of the Global Coalition Against Daesh. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Richard Stengel and UAE ... Read More»
Remarks by the President on Progress in the Fight Against ISIL
The White House Office of the Press Secretary The Pentagon 4:10 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend — especially our men and women in uniform. This Fourth of July we were honored to once again welcome some of our incredible troops and their families to share ... Read More»
New U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to Respond to Syria Crisis
Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC June 25, 2015 The United States today announced more than $360 million in additional life-saving assistance for those affected by the war in Syria. This announcement was made by U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice at a White House event marking World Refugee Day. This new funding ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry on World Refugee Day
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. June 18, 2015 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY World Refugee Day World Refugee Day, marked on June 20, is a time to honor those who flee violence and persecution and those who help them on their journey. It’s almost unfathomable that nearly 60 million men, women ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary Kerry on Ramadan
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Readout of Special Envoy Rubinstein’s Travel to Moscow
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC May 18, 2015 U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Daniel Rubinstein traveled to Moscow on May 18 to meet with a range of senior Russian counterparts. Special Envoy Rubinstein followed up on Secretary Kerry’s meetings on May 12 with President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov. The Special Envoy ... Read More»
White House on Austin Tice’s 1,000th Day in Captivity in Syria
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. May 12, 2015 Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on Austin Tice This week, it is with a heavy heart that we mark American journalist Austin Tice’s 1,000th day in captivity. Austin was abducted in August 2012 while reporting from a suburb of ... Read More»
Rewards for Justice – Reward Offers for Information on ISIL Terrorists
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC May 5, 2015 The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program is offering rewards for information on four key leaders of the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The Secretary of State has authorized rewards of up to $7 million for information ... Read More»
Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power on the Situation in Yarmouk
Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations New York, NY April 30, 2015 The United States strongly condemns the Syrian regime’s April 28 shelling and bombing of Yarmouk, a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Damascus, and expresses concern over today’s reports of ongoing violent clashes in the camp. The regime’s latest aerial bombardment further threatens ... Read More»
Remarks by Kerry, Syrian Opposition Council President Khoja
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson April 30, 2015 REMARKS Secretary of State John Kerry And Syrian Opposition Council President Khaled Khoja April 30, 2015 Treaty Room Washington, D.C. SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I’m very pleased to welcome the president of the Syrian Opposition Coalition, President Khoja. And we’re very happy to ... Read More»
United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Palestinians in Syria
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC Media Note April 27, 2015 In response to the devastating crisis in Yarmouk, Ambassador Samantha Power, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, announced April 24 that the United States is providing an additional $6 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency ... Read More»
Amb. Power on Syria at U.N. Briefing on Situation in Middle East
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy New York, New York April 24, 2015 As Delivered Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, April 24, 2015 Thank you, Minister Judeh, for dedicating ... Read More»
White House on Situation in Yarmouk Refugee Camp
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. April 10, 2015 Statement by NSC Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on the Situation in Yarmouk Refugee Camp We welcome UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on the situation in Yarmouk refugee camp, and join him in calling for an end to hostilities, access for humanitarian assistance, ... Read More»
Ambassador Power on Situation in Yarmouk, Syria
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy New York, N.Y. April 7, 2015 Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Situation in Yarmouk. The United States strongly condemns ISIL’s advance on the besieged Palestinian community in Yarmouk, southern Damascus. Since entering Yarmouk on ... Read More»
State Dept. on Death of Relief Workers in Syria, Yemen
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. April 6, 2015 STATEMENT BY MARIE HARF, ACTING SPOKESPERSON Condemning the Deaths of Red Cross/Red Crescent Staff in Syria and Yemen The United States strongly condemns the reprehensible attacks against Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement staff and volunteers in Syria and in Yemen on April 3, ... Read More»
State Dept. on Violence Against Syrian Civilians
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. April 3, 2015 STATEMENT BY MARIE HARF, ACTING SPOKESPERSON Recent Violence against Civilians in Syria The United States strongly condemns attacks this week against Syrian civilians, who continue to suffer from both the Asad regime and violent extremist groups. Fighting between regime forces and an ... Read More»
Amb. Power at Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy New York, New York March 31, 2015 AS DELIVERED Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 31, 2015 Years from now, when Syrians and the ... Read More»
Facts on U.S. Humanitarian Aid in Response to Syrian Crisis
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. March 31, 2015 FACT SHEET U.S. Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Syrian Crisis U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power announced today at the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait that the United States will provide nearly $508 million in ... Read More»
Obama’s Call with Turkish President Erdoğan
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. March 26, 2015 Readout of the President’s Call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey The President spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today to discuss ongoing cooperation in the fight against ISIL and common efforts to bring security and stability to Iraq and ... Read More»
Kerry’s Meeting with Moaz al-Khatib of Syria
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Statement by NSC Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice’s Meeting with Moaz al-Khatib
The White House Office of the Press Secretary March 24, 2015 Statement by NSC Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice’s Meeting with Moaz al-Khatib, March 24, 2015 National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice met yesterday with Moaz al-Khatib, former President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition. Mr. Khatib offered his perspective on ... Read More»
Kerry on Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use in Syria
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. March 19, 2015 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use in Sarmin, Syria The United States is deeply disturbed by reports that the Assad regime used chlorine as a weapon again, this time on March 16 in an attack on the town of ... Read More»
White House press secretary Josh Earnest on reports about the use of chlorine as a chemical weapon in Syria
The White House Office of the Press Secretary Briefing by the Press Secretary Josh Earnest March 17, 2015 The United States is aware of these reports and the videos that are circulating on social media. We are seeking additional information and cannot at this point confirm the details. But if these allegations are confirmed, this ... Read More»
Jen Psaki on recent S Kerry’s remarks with CBS News
US Department of State Office of the Spokesperson Jen Psaki, Department spokesperson March 15, 2015 As Secretary Kerry and many members of the administration have said many times, the only way to bring an end to the suffering of the Syrian people is through a genuine political solution consistent with the Geneva principles. By ... Read More»
State’s Blinken on 4th Anniversary of Syrian Uprising
U.S. Department of State Remarks by Antony J. Blinken Deputy Secretary of State Washington, DC March 13, 2015 Reception to Commemorate the Fourth Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising Thank you very much. And, I’m really grateful that all of you could be here, and grateful too for the extraordinary work that Daniel’s been doing every ... Read More»
New Non-Lethal Assistance for the Syrian Opposition
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 13, 2015 As Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken announced today at an event marking the fourth anniversary of the Syrian revolution, the U.S. Department of State is working with Congress to provide nearly $70 million in new non-lethal assistance. Deputy Secretary Blinken told Syrian opposition ... Read More»
A message from US special Envoy for Syria Daniel Rubinstein, Commemorating the 4th Anniversary of the Syrian Revolution
U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Syria Daniel Rubinstein A message from US special Envoy for Syria Daniel Rubinstein, commemorating the 4th anniversary of the Syrian revolution March 12, 2015 “Hello…I am Daniel Rubinstein, the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria. On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Syrian revolution, we are reminded ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Syria Travel Warning Update
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated November 12, 2014, to remind U.S. citizens that the security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable as a civil war between government and ... Read More»
Statement by Jen Psaki: Recent Attacks on Civilians in Syria
Press Statement Jen Psaki Department Spokesperson Washington, DC February 24, 2015 Recent Attacks on Civilians in Syria The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms ISIL’s attacks yesterday on predominantly Assyrian Christian villages in the northeast Syrian province of Hasakeh, where they kidnapped dozens of civilians, including women, children, priests, and the elderly. Hundreds ... Read More»
Obama at Summit on Countering Violent Extremism
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary February 19, 2015 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE SUMMIT ON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM State Department Washington, D.C. 10:33 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. (Applause.) Thank you, John. Good morning, everyone. I want to thank John Kerry, not only for his introduction, but for the ... Read More»
Kerry on Detention of Mazen Darwish by Assad Regime
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State Dept. on New Aid for World Food Programme and Syria
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. February 17, 2015 United States Provides $125 million to the World Food Program for the Syria Crisis Increasing its commitment to help those affected by the crisis in Syria, the United States is providing an additional $125 million in humanitarian assistance to the UN World ... Read More»
Amb. Power at U.N. Session on Threats to Global Peace, Security
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy New York, New York February 12, 2015 AS DELIVERED Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council Session on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Threats, February 12, 2015 Today ... Read More»
Kerry on Death of Jordanian First Lieutenant al-Kasasbeh
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. February 3, 2015 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY The Death of Jordanian First Lieutenant al-Kasasbeh Jordanian First Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh represented everything that ISIL is not: he was brave, compassionate, and principled. That a young patriot — a devout Muslim, one of eight children, just months ... Read More»
Obama on Death of 1st Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh of Jordan
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. February 3, 2015 Statement by the President on the Death of First Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh Today, we join the people of Jordan in grieving the loss of one of their own, First Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh, cruelly and brutally killed by ISIL terrorists. On behalf of ... Read More»
Kerry, UK Foreign Secretary and Iraqi Prime Minister After Meeting
Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Office London, United Kingdom January 22, 2015 FOREIGN SECRETARY HAMMOND: Good afternoon. The recent terrible events in Paris have reminded us that the battle against ISIL is not confined within the borders of Iraq and Syria and that this poisonous ideology threatens our own citizens and the ... Read More»
Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address
U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 9:10 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my fellow Americans: We are 15 years into this new century. Fifteen years that dawned with terror touching our shores; that unfolded with a new generation fighting two long and costly wars; that saw a vicious recession spread ... Read More»
Amb. Power at U.N. Security Council Debate on Middle East
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy New York, New York January 15, 2015 AS DELIVERED Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council Debate on the Middle East, January 15, 2015 Thank you. Foreign Minister Muñoz, bienvenido. We are grateful to ... Read More»
Meetings on U.S. Train and Equip Program for Moderate Syrian Opposition
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND January 14, 2015 Meetings on U.S. Train and Equip Program for Moderate Syrian Opposition, January 14, 2015 TAMPA, Fla. – As part of U.S. Central Command’s efforts to implement the congressionally-approved train and equip program for the moderate Syrian opposition forces, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael K. Nagata and U.S. ... Read More»
Temporary Protection Status Extension
The United States has extended and re-designated its Temporary Protected Status designation for Syria until the end of September 2016. This is good news for all Syrians already in the United States who already have visas and wish to extend their stay – on a temporary basis – due to the crisis in Syria. If ... Read More»
Treasury Imposes Additional Sanctions Against Syrian Regime Supporters and Sanctions Evaders
Action Targets a Global Network of Individuals and Companies Providing Specialty Petroleum Products to Syria and Facilitating Deceptive Transactions for the Syrian Regime WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Treasury Department took action to increase pressure on those supporting the Syrian regime’s procurement of specialty fuels and base oil used in its military campaign against the ... Read More»
One Year Since Abduction of “Douma 4”
Jen Psaki, Department Spokesperson Washington, DC December 10, 2014 Yesterday marked one full year since unknown armed groups abducted and kidnapped Syrian human rights activist Razan Zaitouneh, her husband, Wael Hamada, and her two colleagues, Samira Al-Khalil and Nazem Hamadi, in Douma, Syria. As the founder of the Violations Documentation Center, Razan played a critical ... Read More»
Kerry at Counter-ISIL Meeting in Brussels
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson December 3, 2014 REMARKS Secretary of State John Kerry At the Counter-ISIL Meeting Brussels, Belgium SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. Thank you very, very much for being here. Can everybody hear? Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. Prime Minister, Excellencies, welcome everybody. I just want to begin the meeting by ... Read More»
Joint Statement by Coalition Partners at Counter-ISIL Meeting
The coalition partners, participants from 60 countries, issue a joint statement at the first ministerial-level meeting in Brussels of the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Brussels, Belgium December 3, 2014 Joint Statement Issued by Partners at the Counter-ISIL Coalition Ministerial Meeting 1. ... Read More»
Security Adviser Rice’s Meeting with U.N. Special Envoy for Syri
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. Statement by NSC Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice’s Meeting with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice met today with the United Nations’ Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. Mr. de Mistura ... Read More»
United States Announces Additional Support for Communities Hosting Syrian Refugees
U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC Media Note October 28, 2014 Today, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne C. Richard announced that the United States will provide $10 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help communities in the region hosting the more than 3 million refugees from ... Read More»
Joint Statement on Communicating Da’esh’s/ISIL’s True Nature
Following is the text of a joint statement issued by the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Coalition Partners Communications Conference on strengthening cooperation in public communications to combat Da’esh/ISIL and violent extremism in the region and beyond. Gulf Cooperation Council Coalition Partners Communications Conference Kuwait City, Kuwait October 27, 2014 Joint Statement The State of Kuwait, as current ... Read More»
Briefing on ISIL by U.S. Special Envoy General Allen
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. October 15, 2014 Remarks by Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL General John Allen GEN ALLEN: Good afternoon, everyone. It’s good to see you all. Many familiar faces. What I’d like to do today is to discuss my trip of last ... Read More»
Kerry on ISIL’s Dehumanization of Women and Girls
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. October 14, 2014 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY ISIL’s Dehumanization of Women and Girls Just days after we saw the best of humanity when Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, we again confront the worst of inhumanity in ISIL. No one ... Read More»
Obama After Meeting with Defense Officials from 21 Nations
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. October 14, 2014 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER MEETING WITH CHIEFS OF DEFENSE Joint Base Andrews 3:31 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Well, good afternoon, everybody. I want to thank Chairman Dempsey for bringing us here together to review coalition operations to degrade and to ultimately ... Read More»
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement on Fighting ISIL
The following text was released by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union on September 25. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson September 25, 2014 G-7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Joint Action to Fight the Terrorist ... Read More»
Obama’s Address to 69th U.N. General Assembly
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary September 24, 2014 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA IN ADDRESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY United Nations General Assembly Hall New York City, New York 10:13 A.M. EDT PRESIDENT OBAMA: Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen: We come together at a crossroads between ... Read More»
Kerry at Syria Ministerial Meeting in New York
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson New York, N.Y. September 24, 2014 REMARKS Secretary of State John Kerry At Syria Ministerial September 24, 2014 UN Headquarters New York, New York SECRETARY KERRY: Philip, thank you very much and thank you for chairing, and I appreciate enormously everybody’s indulgence. I’m sorry to be late. ... Read More»
White House on Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Syria, Region
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary New York, N.Y. September 24, 2014 FACT SHEET: Comprehensive U.S. Government Approach to Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Syria and the Broader Region As the President has said, we take seriously the terrorist threat posed by fighters in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region, including foreign terrorist fighters. More ... Read More»
Obama at U.N. Security Council Foreign Terrorist Fighters Summit
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary September 24, 2014 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AT U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL SUMMIT ON FOREIGN TERRORIST FIGHTERS United Nations New York, New York 3:11 P.M. EDT PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you, His Excellency, the Secretary-General, for his statement. I’ll now make a statement in my capacity as President of ... Read More»
Fact Sheet on UNSC Resolution 2178 on Foreign Terrorist Fighters
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy New York, N.Y. September 24, 2014 FACT SHEET: UN Security Council Resolution 2178 on Foreign Terrorist Fighters Today, President Obama is chairing a historic high-level summit of the UN Security Council focusing on the surge in Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) worldwide. At this ... Read More»
Obama on Airstrikes Against ISIL Targets in Syria
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 23, 2014 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA South Lawn 10:11 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. Last night, on my orders, America’s armed forces began strikes against ISIL targets in Syria. Today, the American people give thanks for the extraordinary ... Read More»
Key Facts on Threats to Cultural Heritage in Iraq
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. September 23, 2014 FACT SHEET Threats to Cultural Heritage in Iraq and Syria The damage and looting of historic sites in Iraq and Syria, which have been preserved for millennia, have destroyed irreplaceable evidence of ancient life and society. Further damage to these countries’ treasures ... Read More»
Security Message from U.S. Embassy Beirut for U.S. Citizens: Regional Events
The below security message from U.S. Embassy Beirut was sent to U.S. citizen registrants in Lebanon on September 23, 2014. Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Regional Events The U.S. Embassy in Beirut advises U.S. citizens in Lebanon that coalition airstrikes against Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) targets in Syria have begun. While there is ... Read More»
Security Message from U.S. Embassy Amman for U.S. Citizens: Coalition Strikes Against ISIL
The below security message from U.S. Embassy Amman was sent to U.S. citizen registrants in Jordan on September 23, 2014. Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Coalition Strikes Against ISIL On September 23, 2014, the United States and regional partners, including Jordan, commenced military action against the ISIL terrorist organization in Syria. The U.S. Embassy is closely coordinating ... Read More»
Kerry on Threats to Cultural Heritage in Iraq, Syria
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson New York, New York September 22, 2014 REMARKS Secretary of State John Kerry At Threats to Cultural Heritage in Iraq and Syria Event September 22, 2014 Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, New York SECRETARY KERRY: Tom, thank you very, very much for hosting us all here ... Read More»
Kerry on Ongoing Concerns with Chemical Weapons Use in Syria
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. September 21, 2014 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY OPCW Report and Ongoing Concerns with Chemical Weapons Use in Syria The OPCW’s Fact-Finding Mission investigating chlorine use in Syria recently released a second interim report that concludes with a high degree of confidence that chlorine was used ... Read More»
Kerry’s Interview with Hisham Melhem of Al Arabiya
U.S. Department of State Washington, D.C. September 19, 2014 Secretary Kerry’s Interview with Hisham Melhem of Al Arabiya QUESTION: Sir, thank you for this opportunity. Let’s talk of the latest news. The Congress approved your package, aid, for the Syrian rebels. What does that mean on the ground immediately? SECRETARY KERRY: Well, it doesn’t mean ... Read More»
State Dept. on Building International Support to Counter ISIL
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. September 19, 2014 Building International Support to Counter ISIL The ISIL Threat: a Global Challenge The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has dramatically undermined stability in Iraq, Syria and the broader Middle East, and poses a threat to international peace and security. ... Read More»
Obama on Congressional Approval to Train Syrian Opposition
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 18, 2014 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION TO TRAIN SYRIAN OPPOSITION State Dining Room 7:00 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Today, the United States continues to build a broad international coalition to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ... Read More»
Kerry Senate Testimony on Iraq, Syria, ISIL
Secretary Kerry also testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on ISIL on September 18. Senate Foreign Relations Committee U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. September 17, 2014 Secretary Kerry’s Opening Statement SFRC Hearing on Iraq, Syria, and Threat Posed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Chairman Menendez, Ranking Member Corker, and Members of the ... Read More»
Obama on House Approval of Program for Moderate Syrian Opposition
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 17, 2014 Statement by the President on the House of Representatives Vote to Authorize the Title X Train and Equip Program for the Moderate Syrian Opposition Today, the United States House of Representatives took an important step forward as our nation unites to confront ... Read More»
Obama Meeting with Security Team on Foreign Terrorist Fighters
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 17, 2014 Readout of the President’s Meeting with his National Security Team on Foreign Terrorist Fighters This afternoon the President met with his national security team to discuss the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters to the U.S. homeland and nations around the world ... Read More»
Defense Secretary Hagel at Senate Hearing on ISIL
Secretary Hagel also testified before the House Armed Services Committee on ISIL on September 18. U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Hearing On Iraq, Syria, and ISIL Washington, D.C. Tuesday, September 16, 2014 Statement on Iraq, Syria, and ISIL Before the Senate Armed Services Committee As Prepared Chairman ... Read More»
Obama’s Meeting with U.S. Envoys on ISIL
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 16, 2014 Readout of the President’s Meeting with General John Allen, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and Ambassador Brett McGurk, Deputy Special Presidential Envoy The President met today at the White House ... Read More»
Kerry’s Roundtable Discussion in Paris on ISIL, U.N., Mideast
U.S. Department of State Remarks by John Kerry, Secretary of State Chief of Mission Residence Paris, France September 15, 2014 Roundtable Discussion with Press in Paris September 15, 2014 Chief of Mission Residence Paris, France SECRETARY KERRY: All right. I want to make – I know we get crunched a little bit, but I really ... Read More»
Facts on New U.S. Humanitarian Aid for Syria Crisis
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. Sept 12, 2014 FACT SHEET United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Syria Crisis Secretary of State John Kerry announced today the United States is providing nearly $500 million in additional humanitarian aid to help those affected by the war in Syria. This is the ... Read More»
Kerry on Iraq, Syria in Turkey
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Ankara, Turkey September 12, 2014 REMARKS Secretary of State John Kerry Press Availability SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you for being patient. I appreciate it very, very much. And good evening to all. I’m very pleased to be back here in Turkey, where I have had a series ... Read More»
Foreign Ministers’ Jeddah Communiqué on Terrorism
The following is the Jeddah Communiqué from the ministers representing the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and the United States following the ministers’ meeting September 11. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Jeddah, Saudi Arabia September 11, 2014 Jeddah Communiqué The ministers representing states of the Gulf Cooperation ... Read More»
Kerry, Saudi FM Saud Joint Press Briefing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Jeddah, Saudi Arabia September 11, 2014 REMARKS Secretary of State John Kerry Joint Press Statement with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal September 11, 2014 Royal Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia FOREIGN MINISTER SAUD: (Via interpreter) In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, we have held today ... Read More»
Obama on Plans to Destroy ISIL
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 10, 2014 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON ISIL State Floor 9:01 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, tonight I want to speak to you about what the United States will do with our friends and allies to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist ... Read More»
U.S. Officials on Plans to Destroy ISIL
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 10, 2014 BACKGROUND CONFERENCE CALL BY SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS PREVIEWING THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION Via Telephone 5:44 P.M. EDT MS. HAYDEN: Hi, everyone. Thanks for joining us. This call tonight is on background with senior administration officials to discuss the speech the ... Read More»
Kerry on Obama’s Plans to Destroy ISIL
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, D.C. September 10, 2014 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY On the President’s Speech on ISIL Tonight the President spoke directly to our country about what it will take to lead the world to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL, and we are already well underway in the effort ... Read More»
Hagel on Obama’s Plans to Destroy ISIL
U.S. Department of Defense Arlington, Virginia September 10, 2014 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ISIL SPEECH President Obama laid out a strong, comprehensive strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL, and the United States military is prepared to carry out its responsibilities in this counter-terrorism campaign. The men and women ... Read More»
Kerry at NATO Wales Meeting on Building Anti-ISIL Coalition
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Celtic Manor Wales, UK September 5, 2014 REMARKS Secretary of State John Kerry At Top of Meeting on Building an Anti-ISIL Coalition Co-Chaired by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, and UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. We are very ... Read More»
Kerry, Hagel Joint Statement on ISIL Meeting with Key Partners
The following statement was issued by Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on the ISIL meeting with key allies and partners in Newport, Wales, on September 5. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson September 5, 2014 Joint Statement by Secretary Kerry and Secretary Hagel on the ISIL meeting: This ... Read More»
Obama on NATO Summit Wales, Future of NATO
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. September 5, 2014 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AT NATO SUMMIT PRESS CONFERENCE Celtic Manor Resort Newport, Wales 4:50 P.M. BST PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good afternoon. Let me begin by thanking my great friend, Prime Minister Cameron — and his entire team — for hosting this NATO ... Read More»
Amb. Power at U.N. Security Council on Syria
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations New York, N.Y. September 4, 2014 Remarks at the Security Council Stakeout Following Consultations on Syria AS DELIVERED Good afternoon everyone. Special Coordinator Sigrid Kaag just updated the Council on the OPCW-UN Joint Mission’s progress on eliminating Syria’s declared chemical ... Read More»
Kerry on Murder of Steven Sotloff by ISIL Terrorist Group
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson September 3, 2014 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY Steven Sotloff Yesterday, the world bore witness again to the unfathomable brutality of ISIL terrorist murderers when we saw Steven Sotloff, an American journalist who left home in Florida to tell the story of brave people in the Middle East, ... Read More»
Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Syria
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC August 4, 2014 The U.S. Department of State and the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) have signed a $600,000 cooperative agreement to comprehensively document the current condition of cultural heritage sites in Syria and assess the future restoration, preservation, and protection needs for those sites. ASOR’s ... Read More»
Interview With Andrea Mitchell of MSNBC
Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC February 26, 2014 QUESTION: And good day. I’m Andrea Mitchell live from the State Department here in Washington. Secretary of State John Kerry joins me now here in the Treaty Room. Mr. Secretary, thank you very much. SECRETARY KERRY: Glad to be with you. Thank you. QUESTION: Thanks ... Read More»
Kerry Interview with Rima Maktabi of Al Arabiya
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson Interview With Rima Maktabi of Al Arabiya Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Davos, Switzerland January 23, 2014 QUESTION: Hello, and welcome to this exclusive interview with Secretary of State John Kerry on Al Arabiya. Thank you so much for this interview. SECRETARY KERRY: My pleasure, happy ... Read More»
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