In a media note released by the United States’ State Department, the United States renews its strong commitment “to achieving a genuine, negotiated political transition away from Bashar al-Assad that brings an end to the violence and leads to a future that fulfills Syrians’ aspirations for freedom and dignity.”
The statement followed a trip by U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Michael Ratney to Moscow yesterday for consultations with Russian officials on the ongoing conflict in Syria
“We are cognizant that Assad’s continued tenure fuels extremism and inflames tensions in the region. That is why a political transition is not only necessary for the good of the people of Syria, but an important part of the fight to defeat the extremists,” the US State Department added.
“The United States supports the Syrian people’s aspirations for a democratic, inclusive, and unified Syria. The regime of Bashar al-Assad has violently suppressed what began as a peaceful protest movement in 2011. Assad has proven through his brutal and repressive tactics that he has lost all legitimacy, and he must go as part of a genuine political transition.”
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir reaffirmed his country’s position which rejects the presence of Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s future, stressing that the departure of Assad and those with blood on their hands is still the Kingdom’s clear and non-negotiable demand.
He stressed that the departure of Assad, either through a political process or a military defeat, is a foregone conclusion.
Vice President of the Syrian Coalition Mustafa Osso said that talking about attempts to rehabilitate Assad or to partner with him in the campaign against terrorism is a mere illusion and deception. He added that the Saudi position, backed by Arab countries and Turkey, has foiled the Iranian attempts to make Bashar a bargaining chip in its expansionist project. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
