US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers a statement to the press after the meeting with the foreign ministers of the Arab Contact Group on Syria in Jordan’s southern city of Aqaba on December 14, 2024. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/Pool via REUTERS
Diplomatic Talks Emphasize Inclusivity and Minority Rights in Syria’s Transition
Key Agreement on Minority Rights and Inclusivity
Top diplomats from the United States, Turkey, the European Union, and Arab nations agreed on Saturday that any new Syrian government must uphold minority rights and establish an inclusive and representative administration. This consensus was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken following discussions in Aqaba, Jordan.
A joint communique from the talks underscored principles vital for securing international support, including preventing Syria from becoming a base for terrorist groups. “Today’s agreement sends a unified message to the new interim authority and parties in Syria,” Blinken stated.
Direct Engagement with Rebel Groups
Blinken confirmed that U.S. officials had initiated direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other rebel factions, urging cooperation in locating U.S. journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012. The U.S. also shared its expectations for Syria’s political transition.
Broad Regional Participation, Excluding Russia and Iran
The meeting in Aqaba included senior diplomats from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. Notably absent were representatives from Syria, Russia, and Iran. Arab foreign ministers issued a statement advocating for a peaceful political transition, elections, and a new constitution.
Complex Dynamics with Turkey and the U.S.
Discussions addressed divergent interests between the U.S. and Turkey, especially concerning Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, a key U.S. ally in the fight against Islamic State, includes the YPG militia, which Turkey views as linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist organization in Turkey.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Turkey’s strategic goal of eliminating the YPG and urged its commanders to withdraw from Syria. Despite these tensions, both countries agreed on the need to prevent the resurgence of Islamic State and maintain the security of camps holding IS fighters.
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