State Dept. orders closure of Syrian embassy, Houston consulate







less On March 15, 2011, a Syrian civil war began between Ba'ath Party loyalists and forces seeking to oust President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian civil war has killed an estimated 70,000 people and displaced more than four million. The country, with a prewar population of 22 million, is now carved up into areas controlled by the regime and others held by rebels. The Syrian civil war began during the Arab Spring uprisings, which occurred across the Middle East and began in December of 2010. On March 15, 2011, a Syrian civil war began between Ba'ath Party loyalists and forces seeking to oust President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian civil war has killed an estimated 70,000 people and displaced ... more Photo: Narciso Contreras, ASSOCIATED PRESS Photo: Narciso Contreras, ASSOCIATED PRESS Image 1 of / 53 Caption Close State Dept. orders closure of Syrian embassy, Houston consulate 1 / 53 Back to Gallery

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday ordered the Syrian embassy in Washington, D.C., and honorary consulates in Houston and Troy, Mich., to immediately suspend operations.

"In consideration of the atrocities of the Assad regime has committed against the Syrian people, we have determined it is unacceptable for individuals appointed by that regime to conduct diplomatic or consular operations in the United States," Daniel Rubenstein, special envoy for Syria said in a statement. "Syrian diplomats at the embassy and Syrian honorary consulates are no longer permitted to perform diplomatic or consular functions and those who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents must depart the United States."

Syria's honorary consul general in Houston, Ayman Midani, could not immediately be contacted for comment.

Rubenstein said this week marks the third anniversary of the Syrian revolution, adding that Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has "declared a war against his own people and created a humanitarian catastrophe in order to hold on to power and protect his narrow interests."

"Despite the differences between our governments," Rubenstein said, "the United States continues to maintain diplomatic relations with the state of Syria as an expression of our longstanding ties with the Syrian people, and interest that will endure long after Bashar al-Assad leaves power."