US ambassador to return to Syria
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Xinhua, December 7, 2011
The United States is sending its ambassador back to Syria after a hiatus of six weeks, the State Department said on Tuesday.
"Ambassador Robert Ford has completed his consultations in Washington and is returning to Syria," department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.
Press reports said the envoy will return to Damascus on Tuesday evening.
"He will continue the work he was doing previously, namely, delivering the United States' message to the people of Syria, providing reliable reporting on the situation on the ground, and engaging with the full spectrum of Syrian society on how to end the bloodshed and achieve a peaceful political transition," Toner said.
"We believe his presence in the country is among the most effective ways to send the message that the United States stands with the people of Syria," he added.
Ford was called back on Oct. 24 due to threats against his safety, prompting Syria to reciprocate.
Ford had paid controversial visits to many restive areas in Syria in a show of support to anti-government protesters as the Arab nation has been plagued by unrest since mid-March when protests erupted against President Bashar Assad's rule. The envoy was hit several times with eggs and tomatoes.
He had intended to return before Thanksgiving in late November, but delayed his schedule due to security concerns.
As the United Nations puts the death toll in Syria at more than 4,000, the Arab League and Turkey have joined the U.S. and European Union in increasing pressure on the country by imposing targeted sanctions.
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