By Simon Lewis AQABA, Jordan (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Jordan’s King Abdullah on Thursday as President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration pushes for an “inclusive transition” in neighboring Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Blinken, who will head to Turkey later on Thursday, is in the region to seek support […]
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Blinken meets Jordan’s king in Syria diplomacy push
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By Simon Lewis
AQABA, Jordan (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Jordan’s King Abdullah on Thursday as President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration pushes for an “inclusive transition” in neighboring Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
Blinken, who will head to Turkey later on Thursday, is in the region to seek support for principles that Washington hopes will guide what happens next in Syria.
“The Secretary underscored the United States’ support for an inclusive transition that can lead to an accountable and representative Syrian government chosen by the Syrian people,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said after the meeting in the Red Sea port of Aqaba.
Blinken also reiterated the importance of ensuring Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles are secured and destroyed, that civilians are protected and humanitarian aid can get to those who need it, and “preventing Syria from being used as a base for terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors,” Miller said.
Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is playing a key role in Damascus after it led the overthrow of Assad, ending more than 50 years of rule by the Assad family in a swift takeover after 13 years of civil war.
HTS was formerly allied with al Qaeda and is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., European Union, Turkey and the U.N.
Blinken and King Abdullah also discussed the need for a ceasefire deal in Israel’s war in Gaza that sees hostages released, Miller said.
Biden’s team is pushing for a deal between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the final weeks before former President Donald Trump returns to the White House on Jan. 20. But it is unclear whether Biden has enough leverage in the region to secure major agreements before he leaves office.
Biden administration officials have kept Trump’s aides updated on their diplomatic efforts, but say they are not directly coordinating with the incoming administration.
Blinken also met Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
(Reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Frances Kerry)