Tom Barrack calls on the Syrian government to assume its responsibilities and hold those responsible for the violations in Sweida accountable

US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, emphasized the need for the Syrian government to assume its responsibilities and hold those responsible for the recent events in Sweida accountable, noting that the US response to recent developments in Syria came with "incredible concern, pain, empathy, and aid".

This came during a press conference held by Barrack today, Monday, July 21, after his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, where he stressed the importance of "recognizing the inclusion of minorities in emerging government entities" and the necessity of "effective communication and coordination with neighbors, especially with Israel".

Barrack explained that Syria suffered "fifteen years of atrocities before the current government came to power", pointing out that the situation there is still unstable, unlike Lebanon, which "has a functioning government that works with its minority components, and has a clear army for the people".

He indicated that "the new government in Syria has only been in power for seven months", considering that minorities and tribes have lived "most of their children's lives in chaos under previous rule", making them inclined to "return to the tribe and family before the nation" in times of crisis.

Barrack described what happened in Syria as "horrific and unimaginable", expressing hope that "this will lead to accelerating the unification of these issues". He concluded by saying: "There is a standing Syrian government that must be held accountable, but at the same time it must be given its responsibilities to fulfill its role, especially in light of the weak communication among the different components within the country".