Syria, US and France issue joint statement on ‘productive’ talks over ‘critical moment’

Syria’s foreign minister held frank and productive talks with the United States and France at which they — in a joint statement released today — say underline the importance of ensuring the success of Syria’s political transition, unity and territorial integrity.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani, French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot and US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack met in Paris, days after a ceasefire halted bloodshed in Syria’s southern province of Sweida.

In a joint statement, the Syrian, US and French officials say they had held “a very frank and productive meeting at a critical moment for Syria.”

Underlining the importance of engaging quickly to ensure the success of Syria’s political transition following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, they say they agreed on the need to ensure Syria’s neighbors do not pose a threat and that Syria does not pose a threat to its neighbors.

They also agreed to support efforts to hold those responsible for violence accountable, the statement says.