Members of Congress criticize normalization with Syria's Assad
Both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have spoken out against countries establishing ties with Syria as Jordan, Egypt and the UAE have increased diplomatic contacts with Damascus.
Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas said Tuesday that establishing ties with President Bashar al-Assad would “legitimize cruelty” in Syria, joining other lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, in expressing concern about a trend among some Arab states which have increased diplomatic contacts with Syria.
“I echo those expressing concerns with nations that have taken steps to renew formal diplomatic ties with Syria and Bashar al-Assad. This will only legitimize his ongoing cruelty and human rights violations,” Gonzalez said in a statement. "International condemnation is the only response.”
