US to stay in close Syria talks with Türkiye: UN Envoy Robert Wood

U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the U.N., Robert Wood, confirmed on Tuesday that the United States will continue to stay in close contact with Türkiye regarding developments in Syria.

Speaking after an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), which convened in response to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Wood emphasized the importance of Türkiye as a NATO ally and a key partner in maintaining stability in the region.

He assured that this collaboration would continue in the coming days, weeks, and months to closely monitor developments in Syria.

Focus on stability and calm in Syria

When asked about Türkiye’s military operations targeting the PKK/YPG terrorist groups in northeastern Syria, Wood reiterated that maintaining stability and calm in Syria remained a top priority.

While acknowledging that flare-ups in the region were inevitable, he stressed the need for continued collaboration among all key partners to establish a stable situation, a goal deeply desired by the Syrian people.

Supporting Syria’s transition to peace

Wood also emphasized the importance of working together to support a transition in Syria that reflects the will of its people and garners their support.

He reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to a democratic Syria that respects the rights and dignity of all its citizens—an aspiration shared both by the Syrian people and the international community.

Human rights and accountability

The U.S. official stressed the necessity of upholding human rights during Syria’s transition and committed to continued efforts to ensure progress in this area. He also noted that the international community is closely monitoring the officials taking over governance in Syria to ensure they adhere to their commitments.

Additionally, Wood raised concerns about the regime’s leftover munitions and the potential presence of chemical weapons during the ongoing transition. He called for actions by Assad, his regime, and their supporters to be assessed by international institutions to ensure accountability.

Russia’s view on Syria’s future

Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., stated that the U.N. Security Council largely agrees on the need to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity, protect civilians, and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

Nebenzya also expressed the shock shared by all parties regarding the recent developments in Syria and reiterated that Russia would continue to monitor the situation closely.

In response to a question about Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Nebenzya acknowledged that discussions had been held about the group. However, he also noted that HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization and has not been removed from the list.