Goldrich: No normalization with Assad… and a commitment to accountability

The US envoy to Syria, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Ethan Goldrich, confirmed that there is no change in the position of the administration of President Joe Biden on the issue of normalization with the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, stressing, in a dialogue with “Asharq Al-Awsat”, the commitment to “accountability” of the regime for his atrocities.

“We have not, and will not, support any effort to normalize relations with or rehabilitate the regime of Bashar al-Assad,” Goldrich said. “We remind all countries, especially those considering association with the Assad regime, to pay close attention to the atrocities committed by the Assad regime against the Syrian people. …and therefore we urge to continue to focus on accountability.”

Regarding exceptions to the “Caesar Law” and whether it was an easing of US sanctions, after agreeing to supply Lebanon with electricity through Syria, Goldrich said: “We have not lifted or eased the sanctions imposed on Syria (…) Our efforts are focused on helping the Lebanese people in a manner consistent with the law. American”.

He said that the Iranian presence in the countries of the region “a destabilizing role,” adding that in Lebanon specifically, “Iran’s influence through its partner (Hezbollah) undermines the stability and security of Lebanon, and the region in its wider scope as well.” He described the Lebanese organization as “a terrorist organization dedicated to promoting Iran’s malign agenda.” ».
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