'We are in contact with HTS and the opposition'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a press conference following a meeting of foreign ministers in Aqaba, Jordan, to discuss developments in Syria.

Blinken argued that the PKK/YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) play a vital role in the fight against ISIS, stating, "As I have discussed with our colleagues in Turkey and others, it is important for now that the SDF be able to continue its current role. Because this is a fragile moment where ISIS will try to take advantage of the transition process in Syria to regroup."

Announcing that the US has reached an agreement today with its partners in the region on common principles that will guide support for Syria and the Syrian people, Blinken said, "America and our partners have a significant responsibility to help the Syrian people chart this new path. We know that what is happening in Syria can have severe consequences far beyond its borders, from mass displacement of people to terrorism."

Stating that ISIS and other terrorist groups still maintain a presence in Syria, Blinken said the Syrian people will need the help of their neighbors and the international community in such matters. Blinken said, "We have seen in this region and elsewhere that the fall of an oppressive regime can quickly lead to more conflict and chaos, that one dictator can be replaced by another, or that even if the interference of a foreign country is eliminated, it can be replaced by another interference. That is why it is so important that we came together with our partners today to agree on principles that will guide our efforts to help Syrians deal with these challenges and build the inclusive, non-sectarian, peaceful, and sovereign state they want."

Blinken stated, "Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and we are ready to help them do so."

Emphasizing that today's agreement sends a unified message regarding the vital principles for providing the necessary support and recognition to the transitional government and parties in Syria, Blinken said, "We have agreed on the following: The transition process must be led by Syrians, owned by Syrians, and must produce an inclusive and representative government. The rights of all Syrians, including minorities and women, must be protected. Humanitarian aid must be able to reach people in need. State institutions must provide basic services to the Syrian people. Syria must not be used as a base by terrorist groups and other elements that threaten the Syrian people, their neighbors, or the world. Chemical weapons must be secured and safely destroyed. Syria must be in peaceful relations with its neighbors. Relevant organizations must be granted access to parties that can help determine the fate of missing Syrians and foreigners, and ultimately a mechanism must be established to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable."

"WE ARE IN CONTACT WITH HTS AND OTHER PARTIES"

Responding to a question at the press conference about whether the US has established direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is on the US terrorist organization list, Blinken said, "Yes, we are in contact with HTS and other parties."

Blinken said they emphasize to everyone they speak with the importance of finding American journalist Austin Tice and helping him return home.

When asked by a journalist whether the meeting with HTS constitutes "direct contact," Blinken replied, "Direct contact, yes."

Responding to a question about humanitarian aid to Syria, Blinken said, "We will work with the United Nations and other countries for this. There are some urgent needs we addressed today, for example, fuel shortages. This is important so that the lights can stay on, shops can open, and people can travel."

"IMPORTANT FOR NOW"

In response to a question about what the situation of the PKK/YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will be in Syria, Blinken said, "Regarding the SDF, first of all, there is an urgency to the 'moment we are in.' This urgency is to maintain the success we have achieved in recent years, which is ending ISIS's caliphate territory and ensuring that ISIS remains under control. This continues to be a critical task. The SDF plays a vital role in fulfilling this task. This includes securing detention centers where approximately 10,000 foreign terrorist fighters are held and helping with the repatriation of these individuals. Therefore, as I have discussed with our colleagues in Turkey and others, it is important for now that the SDF be able to continue its current role. Because this is a fragile moment where ISIS will try to take advantage of the transition process in Syria to regroup."

CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

Taking a question about the Gaza ceasefire agenda and Israel's ongoing attacks, Blinken said that a ceasefire and the return of hostages to their homes is the only thing that could fundamentally change the situation in Gaza, and that they are working intensively for this. Blinken said, "This is what will make the biggest difference, and now is the time to finally complete this deal. There is no cavalry coming to save Hamas."

Blinken said, "It is time to end this process. This must be an end that will allow the hostages to return home and finally bring relief to the people who are suffering every day. In the meantime, we are continuing to multiply our efforts to get aid to those in need. Although there is still much to be done, we have seen a significant increase in the number of trucks carrying aid in recent days. This number has reached the hundreds. We managed to get the United Nations into northern Gaza. This was very important to understand what is happening there."

When asked what the transitional government in Syria needs to do to earn the trust of the US, Blinken said, "We are currently waiting for what many countries hope and expect to happen. We will detail this in a statement we will release very soon. This is exactly what we agreed upon today. The principles I just shared are what not only we, but almost all of Syria's neighbors, important countries in the region, and major countries outside the region expect. When we see that Syria is moving in this direction and that these steps are being taken in a process led by Syrians and owned by Syrians, we will re-evaluate the various sanctions and other measures we have implemented and respond accordingly."

Blinken said, "But the most important thing is to take action. We appreciate some of the positive words we have heard in recent days, but what really matters is actions and that these actions are sustainable."