Press Releases: Acting Assistant Secretary of State David M. Satterfield Travel to Astana, Kazakhstan for Talks on Syria

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Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 12, 2017


Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David M. Satterfield will travel to Astana, Kazakhstan on September 14 and 15, 2017 to lead the U.S. government observer delegation in the next round of Astana Process talks on Syria. Acting Assistant Secretary Satterfield will reinforce U.S. support for all efforts to achieve a sustainable de-escalation of violence and provision of unhindered humanitarian aid.

The United States, however, remains concerned with Iran’s involvement as a so-called “guarantor” of the Astana process. Iran’s activities in Syria and unquestioning support for the Assad regime have perpetuated the conflict and increased the suffering of ordinary Syrians.

The United States also participated as an observer during the previous round of Astana talks in June.