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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 7 February, 2019 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 7 February, 2019 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 5 February, 2019 | Topics:
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"We must not lose sight of the fact that what is truly needed is unimpeded, sustained humanitarian access, both in Rukban and throughout Syria..."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 31 January, 2019 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 25 January, 2019 | Topics:
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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
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 20 December, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 10 December, 2018 | Topics:
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Briefing With Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James F. Jeffrey
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 4 December, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 November, 2018 | Topics:
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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
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 21 November, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 21 November, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 15 November, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 4 November, 2018 | Topics:
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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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 3 November, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 18 October, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 27 September, 2018 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 27 September, 2018 | Topics:
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"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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 25 September, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 12 September, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 7 September, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 7 September, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 21 August, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 17 August, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 17 August, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 16 August, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 8 August, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 July, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 23 July, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 23 July, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 13 July, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 29 June, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 22 June, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 19 June, 2018 | Topics:
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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).
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 17 June, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 17 June, 2018 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 17 June, 2018 | Topics:
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We welcome the launch on Sunday of operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS terrorists in Dashisha, Syria.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 5 June, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 5 June, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 1 June, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 May, 2018 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 May, 2018 | Topics:
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"On behalf of the United States Department of State, I offer best wishes to Muslims around the world for a peaceful and blessed Ramadan."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 16 May, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 2 May, 2018 | Topics:
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"We must not let Syria again become a safe haven for ISIS or for any other terrorist group."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 April, 2018 | Topics:
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"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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 April, 2018 | Topics:
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"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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 24 April, 2018 | Topics:
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"While preventing the use of chemical weapons in Syria is our immediate concern, the Administration’s priority remains the defeat of ISIS...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 19 April, 2018 | Topics:
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"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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 16 April, 2018 | Topics:
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"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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 16 April, 2018 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
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
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 9 April, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 8 April, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 4 April, 2018 | Topics:
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"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. "
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 28 March, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 13 March, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 5 March, 2018 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 1 March, 2018 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 February, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 22 February, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 15 February, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 9 February, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 6 February, 2018 | Topics:
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"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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 31 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 25 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 23 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 23 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 20 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 19 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 13 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 3 January, 2018 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 December, 2017 | Topics:
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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. ..
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 15 December, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 27 November, 2017 | Topics:
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“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.”
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 17 November, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 16 November, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 13 November, 2017 | Topics:
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"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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 4 November, 2017 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 October, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 27 October, 2017 | Topics:
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"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
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 October, 2017 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 25 October, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 20 October, 2017 | Topics:
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"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
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 14 October, 2017 | Topics:
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Ambassador Haley highlighted the success of last week's high-level meeting to address humanitarian needs in Syria, but cautioned Member States against complacency.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 28 September, 2017 | Topics:
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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:
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 22 September, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 22 September, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 22 September, 2017 | Topics:
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"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 ..
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 20 September, 2017 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 22 August, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 14 August, 2017 | Topics:
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"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....
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 2 August, 2017 | Topics:
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"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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 July, 2017 | Topics:
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Hizballah is a destructive terrorist force. It is a major obstacle to peace. And the dangers it poses are getting larger, not smaller.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 July, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 18 July, 2017 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
"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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 14 July, 2017 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 June, 2017 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
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
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 29 June, 2017 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
“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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 21 June, 2017 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 21 June, 2017 | Topics:
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"We will judge ceasefire in southern Syria by results, not words."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 19 June, 2017 | Topics:
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"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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 6 June, 2017 | Topics:
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"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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 31 May, 2017 | Topics:
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"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. .."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 May, 2017 | Topics:
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"This time reminds us all of the common values of harmony and empathy we hold dear..."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 May, 2017 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 22 May, 2017 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 17 May, 2017 | Topics:
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"The Syrian regime has authorized the extrajudicial killings of thousands of detainees using mass hangings at the Saydnaya military prison" - Acting Assistant Secretary Jones
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 16 May, 2017 | Topics:
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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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 10 May, 2017 | Topics:
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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....
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 10 May, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 4 May, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 3 May, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 26 April, 2017 | Topics:
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“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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 25 April, 2017 | Topics:
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The United States strongly condemns today's barbaric attacks against innocent civilians, including women and children, in northern Syria.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 16 April, 2017 | Topics:
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" I hope that what the Russian Government concludes is that they have aligned themselves with an unreliable partner in Bashar al-Assad...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 11 April, 2017 | Topics:
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The moral stain of the Assad regime could no longer go unanswered. His crimes against humanity could no longer be met with empty words.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 10 April, 2017 | Topics:
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We feel the strike itself was proportional because it was targeted at the facility that delivered this most recent chemical weapons attack.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 7 April, 2017 | Topics:
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I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 7 April, 2017 | Topics:
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We cannot close our eyes to those pictures. We cannot close our minds of the responsibility to act."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 6 April, 2017 | Topics:
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Anyone who uses chemical weapons to attack his own people shows a fundamental disregard for human decency and must be held accountable.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 5 April, 2017 | Topics:
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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....
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 31 March, 2017 | Topics:
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"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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 31 March, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 11 March, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 7 March, 2017 | Topics:
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"ISIS’ barbarity is no excuse for Assad’s barbarity. Both used chemical weapons. Both should face the consequences...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 1 March, 2017 | Topics:
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"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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 27 February, 2017 | Topics:
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"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....
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 23 February, 2017 | Topics:
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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...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 21 February, 2017 | Topics:
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ISIS attacks against our allies and partners continue to mount. The United States must take decisive action to defeat ISIS....
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 1 February, 2017 | Topics:
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They agreed on the importance of working jointly to address challenges to regional peace and security, including the conflicts in Syria and Yemen...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 30 January, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 29 January, 2017 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 21 January, 2017 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 20 January, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 20 January, 2017 | Topics:
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"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"
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 6 January, 2017 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 4 January, 2017 | Topics:
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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.
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 23 November, 2016 | Topics:
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"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."
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 23 November, 2016 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 1 November, 2016 | Topics:
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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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 1 November, 2016 | Topics:
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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, ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Damascus | 1 November, 2016 | Topics:
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