WASHINGTON- Syria’s transitional government has delivered a written response to a set of U.S. demands aimed at lifting sanctions.
The four-page document, submitted on April 14, addresses five of the eight demands outlined by Washington. Three conditions were left unanswered, two diplomatic sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The Syrian response echoes remarks by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani at the U.N. Security Council on Friday, particularly on chemical weapons cooperation and efforts to locate missing Americans.
“We are evaluating the response,” the State Department spokesperson said, adding that the United States does not recognize any entity in Syria as a legitimate government. Future engagement, the spokesperson said, will depend on “specific and verifiable” actions.
Read also: Syrian Foreign Minister Hoists National Flag at United Nations Headquarters
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea told the Security Council that Syria must dismantle chemical weapons stockpiles, counter terrorism, prevent Iranian and other foreign forces from operating in Syria, and respect neighbouring states’ sovereignty.
The demands, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, also include helping in the search for missing Americans, expelling Palestinian militant groups, supporting the coalition against Islamic State, and preventing Russian military expansion in Syria.
U.S. officials have stressed that sanctions relief would hinge on Damascus taking measurable steps on the ground
