US President Biden held a press conference on the developments in Syria. Stating that opposition forces overthrew Assad and that Assad is thought to be in Moscow, Biden said, “This regime subjected hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians to brutality, tortured and killed them.” he said.
“HISTORICAL OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SYRIAN PEOPLE”
Biden said, “The fall of the Syrian regime is a historic opportunity for the Syrian people. It offers the Syrian people, who have been suffering for many years, the opportunity to build a better future.” made his assessment.
Pointing out that there is also great risk and uncertainty, Biden said that the United States will act together with its partners and contribute to the Syrians seizing the opportunity and eliminating the risk.
“SUPPORT HAS COLLAPSED”
Biden said, “For many years, Assad’s main supporters have been Iran, Hezbollah and Russia, but in the last week, support has collapsed. Because all three are in a much weaker position than when I took over.” he said.
Arguing that Iran has been weakened due to the US and Israeli attacks and Russia’s strong stance in Ukraine, Biden said that these countries have no power to support the “terrible Assad regime”.
Biden stated that his administration has taken a principled stance towards Syria for the last 4 years and has implemented a comprehensive sanctions program against Assad.
Pointing out that the USA also has a military presence in Syria “to fight against ISIS and protect regional partners”, Biden also said that they allowed Israel to use military force against the Iranian network in Syria.
“We now see new opportunities emerging for both the Syrian people and the entire region,” Biden said. he said.
“The USA WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT STABILITY AND ITS PERSONNEL IN EAST SYRIA”
Noting that the USA will continue to support Syria’s neighbors, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Israel, Biden stated that he will also send his high-level officials to the region.
Biden underlined that they will continue to protect stability and US personnel in eastern Syria and stated that the mission against DAESH will also be maintained.
Emphasizing that they “will never allow” DAESH to gain power again by taking advantage of the vacuum, Biden stated that the USA carried out a targeted attack against DAESH in Syria today.
The US President also said that they will contact all Syrian groups to establish an independent and sovereign Syria under the leadership of the United Nations (UN).
Biden stated that the process should be determined by the Syrians and noted that the USA is ready to provide support.
Underlining that the Assad family’s “brutality” that has been going on for years has ended, but it is still necessary to be cautious, Biden said that some opposition groups have “their own terrorist records.”
Biden stated that they took note of the statements of the leaders of the opposition groups in question and said, “They are saying the right things for now, but as they continue to take more responsibility, we will follow not only the words but also the activities of these people.” he said.
Pointing out that the opportunities are great despite all the risks and uncertainty, Biden said that having a new tyrant take office after the fall of a tyrant would mean missing the historical opportunity for a safer Syria and the Middle East.
Biden noted that the last days were historic and the coming days will determine the future of Syria, and stated that the USA will approach the situation in a strong, smart and determined manner. (AA)