American diplomats are in the Syrian capital, Damascus, where they plan to meet with representatives of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, the group now in charge and which Washington still classifies as a terrorist organization.
The visit follows visits by delegations from the United Nations and other countries in recent days, including the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
This is the first official US diplomatic appearance in Damascus in more than a decade.
It is another sign of the dramatic transformations underway in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime more than a week ago, and the speed of efforts by the United States and Europe, also relying on Arab countries, to attempt a ceasefire. Influencing its emerging governance.
The delegation of senior officials includes Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, Roger Carstens, US President Joe Biden's hostage envoy, and Daniel Rubinstein, senior advisor to the Office of Near Eastern Affairs.
“They will engage directly with the Syrian people, including civil society members, activists, members of diverse communities, and other Syrian voices about their vision for their country’s future and how the United States can help support them.” The ministry spokesman said in a statement.
They plan to meet with representatives of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, a show of willingness to engage with the group that the United States still classifies as a terrorist organization, but while increasing pressure on it to transition to an inclusive, non-sectarian government.
Washington is effectively setting a set of conditions before it considers removing the group from the list, a crucial step that could help ease the path toward sanctions relief that Damascus so desperately needs.
Officials are seeking more information to help find American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Damascus in 2012.
