WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a bipartisan delegation with Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) to Syria and met with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. Ranking Member Shaheen is the first member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime and meet face-to-face with President Al-Sharaa and representatives of the interim government. The delegation was also accompanied by Ambassador Tom Barrack.
Ranking Member Shaheen in her meeting with President Al-Sharaa discussed the progress that has been made on the security situation and other U.S. priorities within Syria. The Senator conveyed the importance of upholding the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds and inclusivity in the governance structures of Syria and discussed the Senator’s bipartisan legislation that would lift the Assad-era Caesar Act sanctions against Syria. President Al-Sharaa was joined by several of his ministers.
Ranking Member Shaheen held a meeting with Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Hind Kabawat on strengthening civil society, accountability for war crimes, peace and reconciliation, economic prosperity and post-conflict reconstruction.
The Senator also met with General Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to express support and discuss the pathway to integrating the SDF into the Syrian Armed Forces.
Finally, Ranking Member Shaheen met with a group of multi-ethnic and multi-faith religious leaders and civil society representatives at a peace and dialogue conference held at a Christian Monastery. At this symbolic site representing Syria's long and rich history, Ranking Member Shaheen sat down with an array of Syria’s cultural leaders and emphasized the need for a democratic Syria that respects the rights of all Syrians.
Ranking Member Shaheen: “Today’s meeting with leaders from many faiths was a testament to the Syrian people’s common cause: a country free from violence where people of many backgrounds can work together toward a brighter future. A Syria that can stand on its own after ridding itself of the Assad regime will be a cornerstone for regional stability in the Middle East. America is ready to be a partner to a new Syria that moves in the right direction. I will keep fighting for lasting peace and prosperity.”
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