Syrian leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani (Ahmad al-Shara) demanded the lifting of sanctions imposed on his country during a meeting with a delegation led by the US Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf.
The Military Operations Command that overthrew the Baath regime in Syria made a written statement regarding the meeting its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani (Ahmad al-Shara), had with the US delegation in Damascus yesterday.
The statement said that while the visit of the delegation headed by Leaf was welcomed, Colani called for support for Syria’s recovery and revival in all areas during the meeting.
Colani emphasized that the Syrian people are at an equal distance from all regional actors and said that the sanctions imposed on the country should be lifted. Colani stated that the people deserve the opportunity to escape the devastating effects of war and conflict and that getting rid of the Bashar Assad regime is an important step in protecting the region from chaos and external interventions.
Colani stated that Syria should now enter a new era away from war and conflict, and stressed that war criminals and symbols of the old regime should be brought to justice. Details were also shared during the meeting regarding the implementation of institutionalization and development programs in the future of Syria. Colani stated that his country will contribute to regional peace and establish strategic partnerships with neighboring countries.
The US delegation celebrated Syria’s liberation and deliverance from the Assad regime. The delegation reiterated their support for the Syrian people and their new government and stated that the US will stand by Syria in the face of challenges.
The delegation expressed support for steps to increase stability, promote economic growth and ensure inclusive representation, particularly on issues such as “issues in northeastern Syria,” and commended efforts to secure the release of US citizen Travis Timmerman. It also welcomed efforts to search for missing American journalist Austin Tice.
The US delegation said the current process was well managed and that they appreciated the steps taken towards the establishment of the Syrian Ministry of Defense and the United Syrian Army. Both sides described the events as a “historic victory for the Syrian people.”
Previously according to Al-Jazeera, a senior diplomat has announced that the United States is dropping a $10m reward for the arrest of Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, after an uprising that toppled President Bashar al-Assad. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf made the announcement on Friday after she and other US officials visited the Syrian capital, Damascus, to hold talks with the new Syrian administration.
On December 8, a US delegation visited Damascus for the first time since the end of the Baath regime.