Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasises the importance of dialogue with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) for the political transition in Syria, despite the group being designated as a terrorist organisation
US in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham: Blinken confirms dialogue for transition in Syria
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the US has had ‘direct contact’ with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group leading the coalition against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Although HTS has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the US since 2018, Blinken said it was important to send clear messages to the group about their conduct during the political transition period.
HTS leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani has promised protection of minority and women’s rights, but the US remains cautious about fulfilling these promises in the long term. Blinken also reiterated his commitment to finding American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012.
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