Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen to discuss the conflict in Syria and reiterate the Administration’s strong support for the UN’s efforts to end military hostilities as called for by UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Secretary expressed concern over the horrific effects of attacks by the Assad regime and its allies against civilians, humanitarians, and infrastructure in Idlib, and he underscored the need for an immediate return to a ceasefire. Secretary Pompeo and the Special Envoy agreed that ongoing violence is exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation and must cease immediately if the political process is to move forward. Secretary Pompeo also emphasized the need for new steps in the political process in order to resolve the conflict.