U.S. names new Special Envoy for Syria

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced Monday the appointment of Daniel Rubinstein as the new U.S. Special Envoy for Syria.

Kerry's appointment of Rubinstein, a career Foreign Service Officer with Middle Eastern expertise and Syrian experience, comes as the Syrian conflict enters its fourth year.

"Special Envoy Rubinstein’s leadership and counsel will be vital as we redouble our efforts to support the moderate opposition, shore up our partners, counter the rise of extremism that threatens us all, and address the devastating humanitarian crisis and its impact on the neighboring states."

Rubinstein replaces Ambassador Robert Ford in the position. Rubinstein, Kerry said, will travel to the region in late March "to begin consultations with Syrians and others seeking an end to the slaughter and a different kind of future."

[State Department]