As one of important efforts to push the peace process in the Middle East, the Obama administration has been trying to warm the U.S.-Syria relationship up by returning its ambassador to Damascus as soon as possible, Xinhua reported.
"We look forward to restoring our ambassador to Damascus," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said Wednesday, adding that the United States considers Syria can "play a vital role in terms of the aspirations that everyone has for comprehensive peace in the region."
"We will engage on a regular basis with Syria in pursuit of our interests and our mutual interests." Crowley told reporters that the administration has informed the ambassador's nomination to the Syrian government, but gave no more details on the nomination.
The United States froze diplomatic relations with Syria by recalling its ambassador Margaret Scobey following the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Washington blamed it on Syria while Damascus denied the accusation.
The Obama administration, since it took office in January, 2009, has been pushing Syria to play a positive role in the Middle East, including to stop anti-U.S. militants and weapons from entering Iraq, and to support peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
"We will continue to engage Syria to play a more constructive role in the region. .. We are committed to advance our relationship, and we're committed to work with Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinians in pursuit of Middle East peace," said Crowley.
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