Blinken lands in Jordan for high-stake talks on Syria
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The US Secretary of State is set to meet with Jordan's foreign minister and King Abdullah to address regional and international concerns arising from the sudden fall of the Assad regime.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks in Singapore in 2024. (AP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Jordan, on Thursday, for urgent discussions following the fall of the Syrian regime.
Blinken is set to meet with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and King Abdullah to address regional and international concerns arising from the sudden fall of the Assad regime. Discussions will focus on US support for a “Syrian-led transition to an accountable and representative government.”
Blinken outlined four key principles for Syria's transition and new leadership: “clear commitments to fully respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need, prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors, and ensure that any chemical or biological weapons stockpiles are secured and safely destroyed.”
On Tuesday, Blinken pledged for the first time that the US “will recognize and fully support” a new Syrian government chosen through an inclusive and transparent process that adheres to these principles. He urged “all nations” to “support an inclusive and transparent process and refrain from external interference.”
The meetings in Jordan will also address broader regional issues, including ongoing efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The discussions between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Jordanian leaders come amid growing concerns within Jordan’s political circles about potential instability that could threaten the country’s regime. The sudden collapse of Syria’s government has amplified fears that regional upheaval might spill over into Jordan, putting additional strain on its political and social fabric.
This backdrop adds urgency to Blinken’s visit, as Jordan, a core US ally in the Middle East, seeks to address the broader implications of the Syrian crisis while safeguarding its stability, given its strategic importance to the Israeli occupation.
Driving the news
Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned during a phone call with Blinken that the ongoing turmoil in Syria must not be allowed to serve the interests of organizations, such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and ISIS, which Turkiye designates as terrorists.
The two officials reportedly discussed the situation in Syria, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
Fidan underscored the need to avoid repeating past mistakes and stressed that the Syrian government must adopt a "realistic approach" by engaging in dialogue with the opposition and initiating a political process.
He also called on all regional actors to adopt a constructive stance.
Reaffirming the significance of ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria, Fidan claimed that Turkiye has consistently provided the required support.
On its part, the US Department of State said that Blinken discussed with his Turkish counterpart the necessity of reaching a political solution in Syria.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, including minorities, across Syria.
Read more: US State Dep. urges 'political settlement' in Syria
