“We have emphasized to all parties that we have been in contact with the importance of finding Austin Tice and bringing him home,” he said.
HTS, led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, claims to have broken with jihadism but remains classified as “terrorist” by several Western capitals, including Washington.
Few expect the United States to quickly lift the “terrorist” group designation amid a political transition next month with Donald Trump’s arrival in the White House.
Mr. Blinken was wrapping up a regional tour that took him to Turkey, Jordan and Iraq, three countries neighboring Syria, during which he spoke about the situation in that country after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
In Aqaba, Blinken participated in discussions bringing together Arab, European and Turkish diplomats, with Turkey being one of HTS’s main supporters.
He said the discussions would result in a joint statement saying: “We agreed that the transition process must be led and controlled by the Syrians themselves and result in an inclusive and representative government.”
“The rights of all Syrians, including those of minorities and women, must be respected. Humanitarian aid must reach the people who need it,” he added.
He also said participants in the discussions agreed that “state institutions” must continue to provide essential services.
