WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Sales, a professor at Syracuse University College of Law and former official in the Department of Homeland Security, told a US Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing that the top priority for the United States in Syria is to defeat Daesh terror group.
"One important thing that has to happen is the process that involves all relevant stakeholders so that the people of Syria can chart a path forward," once Daesh is defeated, Sales said.
Sales added that military solution alone will never achieve peace in Syria, and stressed that diplomatic engagement with all sides of the conflict is vital for stabilization efforts.
Last Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that the US and Russia are currently discussing the second ceasefire agreement in Syria.
The southwestern Syria ceasefire entered into force at noon on June 9 after an agreement had been reached by Russia, the United States and Jordan.
The deal was announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on June 7 after the first face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.