In response to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's remarks about meetings taking place "from time to time" with the United States, in which he stated that "these meetings do not lead us anywhere but everything will change," a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told Al-Hurra: "We will not comment on the specifics of our private diplomatic discussions." The unnamed spokesperson added, "The administration's position remains clear: we will not normalize relations with the Assad regime in the absence of genuine progress toward a lasting political solution to the conflict."
The spokesperson expressed the U.S. belief that "the political solution outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254 remains the only viable solution to the Syrian conflict." They stated, "We are working with our allies and like-minded partners and the United Nations to implement this resolution." The resolution holds the Syrian regime responsible for "protecting the population" and reaffirms that "the only sustainable solution to the current crisis in Syria is through a comprehensive political process, led by Syrians that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people."
The resolution refers to the Geneva agreement dated June 30, 2012, in the form adopted by Resolution 2118 (2013), which stipulates "the establishment of a comprehensive transitional governing body formed on the basis of mutual consent, ensuring the continuity of governmental institutions." The United States has opposed regional efforts to normalize relations with Assad, citing the need to see progress toward a political solution according to Al-Hurra.
