The U.S. government is sending an ambassador to Syria after a four-year hiatus because President Barack Obama wants to improve relations between the two countries, the State Department said Wednesday. “We're prepared to move forward with Syria to advance our interests through direct and continuing dialogue,” said spokesman Ian Kelly. “Of course, … we continue to have concerns about Syria's role in this region, and we think one way to address those concerns is to have an ambassador in Damascus.” The move to restore full ties “reflects this administration's recognition of the important role Syria plays in the region,” Kelly told reporters, adding that Washington had informed Damascus of its decision on Tuesday.
