The United States supports the United Nations’ efforts to reach a political solution in Syria and efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Eastern Ghouta enclave near Damascus.
An official source from the US State Department stressed that the weapons sent by Washington to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are “limited”. The SDF, along with Turkey, share a common goal of combating the ISIS terrorist organization.
Tensions have been high between the US and Ankara after the former had provided the predominantly Kurdish force with arms. Turkey has repeatedly called on Washington to stop backing the SDF.
The US official told Asharq Al-Awsat that Washington considers defeating ISIS, restoring Syria’s stability and creating safe environments for the return of the refugees as important targets.
The goals of the US and their regional allies, including Turkey, are still clear. They are based on supporting the political solution that should lead to the formation of a democratic, independent and united Syria, he added.
The Syrian people should be allowed to choose their leadership through free and transparent elections, he continued.
Commenting on Turkey’s Afrin offensive against the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), the source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Washington’s ties with its NATO ally Ankara were “ongoing and strategic.”
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had relayed this message to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Ankara last week.
Later on Thursday, the White House called on Syrian regime ally, Russia, to commit to its responsibilities regarding the de-escalation zones in the war-torn country, especially in Eastern Ghouta.
The White House urged the regime to stop its crimes against the Syrian people, calling on Moscow and Tehran to cease backing the regime.
