- WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is brushing off a complaint by Syrian authorities that the US ambassador violated their travel rules by leaving the capital this week without permission.
The State Department says the Syrian foreign ministry registered concern over Robert Ford’s trip Tuesday from Damascus to the village of Jassem, where he met opposition activists.
The United States says the Syrians have denied previous travel requests and complained when Ford made this trip without asking.
The State Department says it is not clear whether the Syrians intend to expel Ford or take other action against him.
The US has maintained diplomatic relations with Syria despite protesting President Bashar Assad’s efforts to crush the 5-month-old uprising against him.
The Obama administration said last week that Assad should step down.
