Amb Jeffrey on COVID-19 outbreak in #Syria:
While the Assad regime continues to use cynical ploys to divide the population even during this crisis, the Syrian people can continue to count on the U.S. to stand with them by delivering humanitarian assistance to people in need. Jeffrey: I want to assure the Syrian ppl that U.S. sanctions do not in any way impact the delivery of humanitarian goods, incl. medicines&medical supplies, entering Syria. Since our sanctions were implemented, we've provided exemptions for humanitarian aid in all areas of #Syria.

Amb. Jeffrey: The U.S. rejects the farcical Russian defense ministry & media statements alleging that yesterday’s peaceful demonstrations in #Idlib against Russian military patrols were organized by "terrorists trying to use civilians as a human shield." bit.ly/38X33k6 Jeffrey: The reaction of Syrians to Russian military patrols in #Idlib is not surprising. For nearly a year the Assad regime - with Russian & Iranian support - has conducted a reckless & ruthless military offensive in Idlib that has killed & wounded thousands of civilians. #Syria

The United States strongly discourages businesses and individuals from participating in the August 28 #Damascus International Trade Fair. #Syria Businesses or individuals who plan to participate in the #Damascus International Trade Fair must be aware that by doing business with the sanctioned Assad regime or its associated, they too could be subject to U.S. sanctions. #Syria

.@StateDeptSpox: The Syrian regime’s recent notices confirming the deaths of thousands of political prisoners in its custody affirms what the int'l community has long suspected: the regime has systematically arrested, tortured, & murdered tens of thousands of Syrian civilians. .@StateDeptSpox: Since the Syrian uprising began in 2011, at least 117,000 Syrians have been detained or forcibly disappeared, according to numerous human rights organizations. #Syria

.@StateDept: There is no doubt about #Assad regime's pattern of chemical weapons. Since 2014, the OPCW assigned responsibility to Assad for multiple sarin & chlorine attacks. We've noticed there’s an awful lot of Russian #Propaganda out there, so we thought we’d offer some facts: FACT: The #Syrian regime used chemical weapons near #Douma on April 7, killed at least 45 people and sickening hundreds more. Our information is consistent and corroborated by multiple sources, from military intelligence to social media users, NGOs to international organizations.

.@StateDeptSpox: Brutal airstrikes by Russia and the regime continue, especially in Eastern #Ghouta, despite the unanimous UN Security Council vote on February 24th to demand an immediate cessation of hostilities throughout #Syria. .@StateDeptSpox: Strikes on Eastern #Ghouta in recent days have demonstrated the farcical nature of Russia’s proposed humanitarian corridor. Russia is clearly attempting to feign implementation of UNSCR2401 while showing complete disregard for the ongoing humanitarian disaster.