‘The first priority is defeating ISIS’: Rex Tillerson reaffirms that the US will try and wipe out the terrorist group before they concentrate on Syria
Tillerson was quizzed on the Syrian conflict during an interview Sunday morning
‘I think it’s important we keep our priorities straight,’ the secretary of state said
He said he hopes removing ISIS can lead to peace talks between Syrian groups
Tillerson is traveling to Europe this week and could meet with Vladimir Putin
DAILYMAIL.COM
9 April 2017
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has stated America’s main focus in Syria is still the defeat of ISIS, despite an attack on Bashar al-Assad this week.
Tillerson made the comment during his first round of television appearances on Sunday morning since taking the job.
‘I think it’s important we keep our priorities straight, and we believe the first priority is the defeat of ISIS,’ he told CBS’ Face the Nation.
‘By defeating ISIS, and removing their caliphate, we (will) have eliminated or at least minimized a threat not only the United States but to the whole stability in the region.
‘And once the ISIS threat has been reduced or eliminated, I think we can turn our attention directly to stabilizing the situation in Syria.
‘We are hoping we can prevent a continuation of the civil war and then we can bring parties to the table to begin the process of political discussions.’
He then continued: ‘Clearly that requires the participation of the regime, with the support of their allies, and we’re hoping Russia will choose to play a constructive role in supporting ceasefires… ultimately through Geneva.
‘We hope we will have the position to begin a useful political process.’
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