Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland today announced that the United States has suspended operations of its Embassy in Damascus as of 6th of February
The escalating regime violence draws concern on the safety of the U.S. embassy personnel in Damascus.
In the past few months, the world has seen intensified Syrian security operations all around the country which have killed hundreds of civilians
She announced that Ambassador Robert Stephen Ford and all American personnel have departed the country.
She noted that the United States andh several other diplomatic missions have conveyed security concerns to the Syrian Government. However, she said the regime failed to respond adequately.
She highlighted that Ambassador Ford has left Damascus but he remains the United States Ambassador to Syria and its people.
Ambassador ford will continue his work and engagement with the Syrian people as head of U.S. Syria team in Washington.
“Ambassador Ford will maintain contacts with the Syrian opposition and continue efforts to support the peaceful political transition which the Syrian people have so bravely sought.” -Ms. Nuland
The United States continues to be gravely concerned by the escalation of violence in Syria. The regime blatant;y defied its commitments to the action plan it agreed to with the Arab League.
“The deteriorating security situation that led to the suspension of our diplomatic operations makes clear once more the dangerous path Assad has chosen and the regime’s inability to fully control Syria.” -Ms. Nuland
She underscored that there is an urgent need for the international community to act without delay to support the Arab League’s transition plan.
“The regime’s escalating violence puts a political solution out of reach and further jeopardizes regional peace and security.” -Ms. Nuland
More than 5,000 people have now died since the start of the public uprising in Syria.
The uprising in Syria is part of a broader popular protest movement that has engulfed North Africa and the Middle East this year and led to the toppling of long-term regimes in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen.
