US 'closely monitoring' situation in Syria, urges UN-led political process

WASHINGTON

The White House said Friday it is “closely monitoring” the situation in Syria and urged a political process consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

"We're closely monitoring the situations in Syria, and have been in contact with the countries in the region," spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

She noted an earlier statement by the White House National Security Council that highlighted the Assad regime's "ongoing refusal" to engage in the political process, outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

"The United States, together with its partners and allies, urge de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups and a serious, incredible political process that can end the civil war once and for all with a political settlement consistent with UNSCR 2254," she said.

UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which was unanimously adopted by the Council in December 2015, calls for "formal negotiations" between the regime and opposition groups to initiate a "political transition process."

Syria has been embroiled in a vicious civil war since early 2011 when the regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.

The conflict has intensified in recent days, with anti-regime groups, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, fighting with regime forces since Nov. 27 and making significant advances.

Anti-regime forces captured much of central Aleppo on Nov. 30, following a rapid push from its western countryside. In their latest offensive Thursday, the groups seized the center of Hama, solidifying control of the city and forcing regime forces to retreat.

WASHINGTON

The White House said Friday it is “closely monitoring” the situation in Syria and urged a political process consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

"We're closely monitoring the situations in Syria, and have been in contact with the countries in the region," spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

Syria has been embroiled in a vicious civil war since early 2011 when the regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.

The conflict has intensified in recent days, with anti-regime groups, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, fighting with regime forces since Nov. 27 and making significant advances.