US hopes new transitional government is 'positive step' for Syria

HAMILTON, Canada

The US on Monday expressed optimism about the announcement of a transitional Cabinet in Syria.

"We recognize the struggles of the Syrian people who have suffered decades under despotic rule and oppression of the Assad regime. And we hope this announcement represents a positive step for an inclusive and representative Syria," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a news conference.

However, she underscored that the interim authorities must take several significant actions, including rejecting terrorism, preventing Iran and its proxies from exploiting Syrian territory, and ensuring the security of religious and ethnic minorities.

Bruce said the Syrian government should "take meaningful steps to verifiably destroy Assad's chemical weapons, assist in the recovery of US and other citizens who have been disappeared in Syria, and ensure the security and freedoms of Syria's religious and ethnic minorities."

On potential changes in US policy, Bruce made clear that any shift would be conditional on these requirements being met.

"Any adjustment to US policy towards Syria's interim authorities will be contingent on all of those steps being taken that I mentioned to you," she said.

On Saturday evening, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who took charge after Bashar al-Assad fled to Syria in December, announced the formation of the new government that includes 23 ministers.