The new Syrian government and the six conditions to adjust the US policy towards Syria

The US State Department expressed hope that the Syrian authorities’ announcement of the formation of a new government would represent a positive step toward an inclusive and representative Syria.

Washington, did set though, six conditions for amending its policy toward Damascus, most notably the exclusion of foreign fighters from all official positions and ensuring the security and freedoms of religious and ethnic minorities.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the United States “recognizes the suffering of the Syrian people during decades of authoritarian rule and repression by the Assad regime,” adding, “We hope this announcement represents a positive step toward an inclusive and representative Syria… However, the interim authorities must fully renounce and suppress terrorism, exclude foreign fighters from any official positions, and prevent Iran and its proxies from exploiting Syrian territory”.

According to the US State Department, the Syrian government must verifiably destroy chemical weapons, assist in the recovery of American citizens and others who have disappeared in Syria, and ensure the security and freedom of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria.

The US State Department spokesperson noted that “the United States will review and continue to assess the interim government’s conduct and determine our next steps based on these actions”.

Regarding the sanctions imposed on Syria, she said, “Any change in US policy toward the Syrian interim authorities will be conditional upon taking all the steps I mentioned”.

What are the six US demands from the Syrian government?