Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to the United Arab Emirates left On Saturday, she said the United States was “deeply disappointed” and urged allies to do so avoid normalization of relations with accused system of ‘Horrific atrocities’.
Lion’s Surprise Journey on Friday had him first official A visit to an Arab country since the outbreak of the civil war in dullness in 2011, killing Close half Million people.
It was latest sign of Warming relations between Syria and the energy-rich Emirates – A key US ally it also normalization of relations with Israel in 2020.
“We are deeply disappointed and disturbed by this apparent attempt to legitimize Bashar al-Assad,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said. in – Statement sent to Agence France-Presse (AFP). on Saturday.
The lion said:remains responsible and accountable for The death and suffering of Countless Syrians, displacement of more From half of Syria before the war arbitrary population detention and disappearance of over 150,000 Syrian men women And the children.
As Minister of the United States, of He repeated Anthony Blinken’s state, we don’t support Efforts to rehabilitate Assad and we are not doing it support “Others are normalizing relationships,” Price said.
“We were clear about this with Our partners … (and) we urge countries to consider participating with The Assad regime has to carefully weigh the horrific atrocities the regime has visited.”
Assad’s visit to the UAE on Friday came at a time when Russia – A key Damascus supports that also He has strong relationships with UAE – pressured its war on Ukraine.
“Brotherly” links
War broke out in Syria in March 2011 after the brutal repression of opposite-government protests, and year Later the United Arab Emirates, like Most Arabs countriescut ties with Damascus.
But the UAE reopened its embassy in Syrian capital in December 2018, indicating an attempt to bring in the Assad regime back In the Arab fold.
Al-Assad and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed, on Friday, “brotherly relations” between the two countries. countriesThe official news WAM agency reported.
talks also centered on Efforts to “contribute to unification of Security, stability and peace in Arabi region and the Middle East”.
Mohammed bin Zayed said he hoped the visit would “pave the way.” way for Goodness, peace and stability prevail in Syria and all region,” He. She added.
the husband also Discuss ways of Preserving territorial integrity of Syria and withdrawal of foreign forces from the country of Providing “political and humanitarian support for Syria.”
Syria news SANA said the meeting helped “enhance cooperation” between the two sides.
Pictures published by the so-called Syrian presidency showed Assad also Meeting with Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during oneDay visit.
Russia, Syria and the Gulf
Attracted complex war in Syria in Many players including terrorists and foreigners players Like Iran and Russia, they are beaten out economy.
In September 2015, Russia began carrying out airstrikes in support of The Syrian regime is a turning point in The struggle that eventually helped Assad regain control of bone of Country.
The lion praised invasion Russia launched against Ukraine on February 24 as “correction of history. “
The United Arab Emirates hosts American forces and has been a strategic partner of the United States for decades, but its economic and political relations with Russia is growing.
UAE and Saudi Arabia two of The world’s largest oil exporter in Iraq has so far avoided taking a stand against Russia.
Russia’s war on Experts say Ukraine has affected Gulf-US relations like oil giants like The UAE and Saudi Arabia are resisting calls from Washington and other Western capitals to increase oil production in try to restrain in the prices.
The last year, she called the Emirates for Syria’s return to the Arab League, which suspended its activities membership after the start of the war.
And the in November, the UAE’s top diplomat met happiest in Damascus for The first The time since the conflict began, a move blasted by us
The war in Syria killed about half Million peopledisplaced millions Its infrastructure was destroyed.
United Nations Committee of This month’s query is called for “a review of Implementation and effects of Penalties currently imposed on Syria” in light of deteriorating living conditions.
But State Department spokesman Price said on Saturday that the United States will maintain sanctions on Syria “until there is no turning back” progress towards a political solution.
