HTS while designated a "terrorist" organisation by many Western governments, has sought to moderate its rhetoric in recent years, including by claiming it has renounced its Al Qaeda ties
The interim government insists the rights of all Syrians will be protected as will the rule of law
In an interview on Syrian television on Saturday, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa did not address any direct contact with the US but said the new authorities in Damascus were in touch with Western embassies
al-Sharaa also said,
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"we don't intend to enter any conflict because there is general exhaustion in Syria"
US officials said,
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"Mr Sharaa had been making welcome comments about protecting minority and women's rights"
but US remained sceptical that al-Sharaa would follow through on them in the long run
