A U.S. State Department official told Reuters there has been no change in Washington’s policy toward Syria, reaffirming long-standing objectives that include a political resolution to the conflict and accountability for human-rights violations. The official urged all Syrian factions to withdraw from front-line positions and enter talks aimed at achieving a lasting nationwide cease-fire. The United States also strongly condemned recent violence in the southern province of Sweida and called on Damascus to investigate reported abuses and hold perpetrators responsible.