State Department outlines conditions for normalization with Syrian interim authorities, urges accountability for recent violence

The State Department said officials met on April 29 with Syrian interim authorities in New York and outlined conditions that would govern any future normalization of relations or sanctions relief. The department told the interim authorities it expects verifiable steps including a renunciation and suppression of terrorism, removal of foreign terrorist fighters from official roles, prevention of Iran and its proxies exploiting Syrian territory, verifiable destruction of Assad-era chemical weapons, assistance in recovering disappeared U.S. and other citizens, and security and freedoms for Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities.

A reporter said the Syrian interim authorities replied in writing that they had completed some measures and were working on others; the spokesperson declined to assess that written response publicly but said the government would measure progress by action. The spokesperson declined to provide details of the private diplomatic exchanges, saying the department does not comment on private conversations and that verification would be based on observable steps.

The department also said it was closely monitoring recent violence in Syria that targeted civilians, including reported sectarian clashes and violence affecting minority communities. The spokesperson urged interim authorities to hold perpetrators of violence and civilian harm accountable and to ensure the security of all Syrians.

At the briefing the department described its engagement as ongoing, warned against drawing premature conclusions about progress, and said any future relief from sanctions would depend on demonstrable, verifiable actions by the interim authorities.