The Syrian Foreign Ministry pointed out that “Last week, the US administration represented by US President Joe Biden and his Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made misleading and illogical statements that included false allegations by the Syrian government of the kidnapping or arrest of American citizens, including Austin Tice. , US Army soldier. She explained that “the US government recognized years ago that Austin Tice and other Americans illegally entered the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic.”

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed: “The government of the Syrian Arab Republic denies the abduction or disappearance of any American citizen who entered its territory or lived in areas under the sovereignty and authority of the Syrian government, and emphasizes the fact that its absolute adherence to the principles of international law and provisions of the Vienna Convention. consular relations.

She indicated that “Syria confirms that any dialogue or official communication with the US government side will only be public and based on respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and non-interference in its internal affairs.”