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US committed to seeking accountability for those responsible for atrocities in Syria
The Asharq Al-Awsat reported, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Ethan Goldrich discussed with the head of Syrian Civil Defense Raed al-Saleh the vital work that the organization is doing to save lives through preparation, response, and recovery operations.
The US embassy tweeted that Washington "is committed to seeking accountability for those responsible for atrocities in Syria," noting that for 11 years, the regime "has detained, tortured, and committed crimes against Syrians, but impunity will end. This month, we highlight how Syrians and the international community are pursuing accountability for these crimes."
The report said that Goldrich was set to host on Thursday European Union, Arab and European envoys to discuss Syria. UN envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, was expected to brief them on the latest political developments.
It mentioned that the gatherers will hold consultations on the field developments in Syria, the positions of Arab nations that are open to normalizing relations with Damascus, and the impact the Ukraine war will have on the country.
Today in NW #Syria, there were strong winds and heavy rain. Temperatures are dropping, living conditions are deteriorating, and the humanitarian response is insufficient for thousands of displaced people living in IDP camps. #WhiteHelmets
Posted by Syria Civil Defence - The White Helmets on Thursday, March 3, 2022
Washington has notably invited Turkey to the talks. It had previously asked Ankara for the first such meetings held in Brussels in December.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the invite is part of US efforts to steer Turkey away from Russia, ease tensions, and mitigate the severity of the situation due to Washington's support to Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Syria communicates with rebels from Donetsk and Luhansk, holds security meeting with Iran
Pedersen is scheduled to host the meeting of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, starting Mar. 21, with the participation of delegations from the government, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), and the civil society.
Source: aawsat
