US confirms closed-door diplomacy with Syrian interim government in New York

US authorities have confirmed that American diplomats held a closed-door meeting with representatives of Syria’s interim government in New York.

"Department of State officials met yesterday [April 29] with Syrian interim authorities," a spokesperson said, speaking anonymously and declining to share further details of the private diplomatic engagement, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The confirmation came in response to inquiries regarding a potential meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani. While the State Department did not name individuals present, the spokesperson emphasised Washington’s expectations for the transitional government.

“We continue to urge the interim authorities to choose policies that will reinforce stability for Syria's citizens, assure peace with Syria's neighbors, develop Syria's economy, and result in good-faith cooperation with the international community,” the spokesperson said. “Any future normalization of relations or lifting of sanctions will depend on the interim authorities' actions and positive response to the specific confidence-building measures we have communicated,” the official added. 

The meeting follows the recent presentation of a detailed list of conditions by the US for any potential sanctions relief. These include removing foreign terrorist fighters from public office, dismantling weapons of mass destruction, cooperating in efforts to locate missing American citizens, committing to a non-aggression stance toward neighbouring countries, and preventing Iran and its proxies from exploiting Syrian territory. 

The talks come against the backdrop of major political upheaval in Syria. Former President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8 after opposition forces took control of Damascus, ending the Baath Party’s grip on power that began in 1963. In the wake of Assad’s departure, a new transitional government was formed on January 29, led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

By Naila Huseynova