US to work with partners in Syria to manage risk after Assad toppled, Biden says
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US President Joe Biden said the US will support Syria’s neighbours through the period of transition.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – The United States will work with partners and stakeholders in Syria to help seize an opportunity and manage the risk, US President Joe Biden said on Dec 8 after rebel fighters overthrew former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
In remarks at the White House, Mr Biden said the United States will support Syria’s neighbours through the period of transition, and will assess the words and actions of rebel groups.
Mr Biden said the United States does not officially know of Dr Assad’s whereabouts but noted reports that he fled to Moscow. He said Dr Assad “should be held accountable”.
He said Syria is in a period of risk and uncertainty and that it is the first time in years that neither Russia nor Iran nor the Hezbollah militant organisation held an influential role in Syria.
“For years, the main backers of Assad have been Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. But over the last week, their support collapsed – all three of them – because all three of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office,” said Mr Biden, who became the US president in 2021.
He said US forces on Dec 8 conducted a dozen precision strikes within Syria targeting camps and operatives of the militant group Islamic State.
“It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country. It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty,” Mr Biden said.
“As we all turn to the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risk,” he added. REUTERS
