The US declares it will not ‘normalize’ relations with Syria

The US State Department made a statement on the meeting in Moscow between the defense ministers and intelligence heads of Russia, Syria, Iran, and Türkiye. In a written statement to VOA Turkish, the Department addressed the endorsement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254, which outlines a road map for a peace process in Syria. The resolution also includes a demand on Syrian parties to put an end to the indiscriminate use of weapons against civilians. The Department recalled this resolution and added that the US would not normalize relations with the Assad regime without real progress toward a political solution to the core of the conflict.

In a written statement to VOA, the Department spokesperson responded that the United States was aware of the quadrilateral meeting in Russia, adding that the United States continues to work with allies, partners, and the United Nations to find a lasting political solution to the conflict in Syria. The statement continues with the following words: “We have emphasized to our regional partners in contact with the Syrian regime that credible steps to improve the humanitarian and security situation of Syrians must be front and center in any engagement.”

The meeting in Moscow was attended by Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar, Hakan Fidan, the head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiyani, Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas and the heads of intelligence of the countries. Before leaving Moscow, Akar described the meeting as positive and fruitful. During the meeting, efforts to normalize relations, strengthen security in Syria, preserve the country’s territorial integrity and ensure the return of Syrian refugees were negotiated. The Syrian delegation stated that the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria and the opening of the strategic M4 highway, which paves the way for the revival of Syria’s trade with neighboring countries, were also discussed.