US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged to seize the opportunity to create a more stable Syria than what was experienced under the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Rubio stated, according to the US Embassy in Syria, today, Friday, February 14, “If there is an opportunity in Syria to create a place that is more stable than we have historically had, especially under Assad’s rule, during which Iran and Russia have dominated and the Islamic State group operated unrestrained, we must seize the opportunity and see where it leads us.”

This statement follows a low-level US representation at the international conference on Syria, which took place in the French capital on Thursday, February 13, with wide international participation, and concluded with a final statement that did not include the United States.

The US Secretary of State discussed developments in Syria with his Egyptian counterpart on February 10, including the need for governance to be inclusive of all factions and the necessity of ensuring the country is not used as a base for terrorism or to threaten neighboring countries.

Rubio also discussed with the Saudi counterpart two weeks ago ways to enhance shared interests in Syria, praising the humanitarian assistance provided by the Kingdom to both Syria and Sudan.

On February 23, he emphasized during a phone call with the Turkish counterpart the necessity for a comprehensive transition process in Syria.

On February 13, US Deputy Assistant to the President and Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, Sebastian Gorka, responded to a question on whether the US recognizes Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating, “Does he control all of Syria? No, he does not control it. He was a jihadist for a long time, so has he reformed himself? Is he a better man now? Does he believe in representative (democratic) government?”

He added, “I have studied jihadist movements for 24 years, and I have never seen a successful jihadist leader become democratic or believe in representative government,” refusing to comment on whether al-Sharaa is recognized as president by the US, considering it more appropriate for the US Secretary of State to respond to this point, according to the American Al-Hurra website.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged the new authorities in Syria to consider partnership with the International Coalition based in Iraq to combat the Islamic State group to prevent destabilization in Syria during its transitional period.

He added on Thursday, “If Syria agrees to a proposal for cooperation, France will view it not only favorably but also with commitment,” expressing France’s readiness to undertake joint actions that respect Syrian sovereignty, to combat terrorist groups, particularly to assist in protecting Lebanon and its south from the return of weapons.