DoS, Senators Discuss Options for Kerry to Testify on US Syria Strategy

A State Department official said that the US Department of State is discussing with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the senators’ request for Secretary of State John Kerry to testify on the US strategy in Syria.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Department of State is discussing with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the senators’ request for Secretary of State John Kerry to testify on the US strategy in Syria, a State Department official told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"I can confirm we received the request for Secretary Kerry to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. We are currently discussing options with the Committee," the official said.

Senator Bob Corker announced last week that Kerry has been summoned by the Foreign Relations Committee to explain current US policy on Syria.

In 2013, Senator Corker sponsored legislation to arm and train a Syrian opposition force. The Obama administration later adopted this policy, but critics allege it has been a complete failure.

A 62-nation US-led coalition has conducted more than 6,500 airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria.

Corker has said the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will conduct a series of hearings over the next several weeks on the US role and strategy in Syria and the Middle East.

The United States has repeatedly called for the removal of Syrian President Bashar Assad, while Russia has maintained the Assad government is the country’s legitimate authority and has supported it militarily under international law.