ERBIL — The State Department on Friday appointed Ambassador James Jeffrey as the US special presidential envoy to the global coalition to defeat the Islamic State (IS).

Jeffrey will also remain in his current position as the Special Representative for Syria Engagement, the State Department pointed out in a statement.

“Ambassador James Jeffrey, the current Special Representative for Syria Engagement, will take on the additional role of the Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS [Islamic State], effective January 4, 2019,” reads the statement.

“With this additional responsibility, Ambassador Jeffrey will lead and coordinate U.S. Department of State relations with the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS and Department efforts to implement President Trump’s announcement of a responsible U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria that is coordinated with our global Allies and partners consistent with U.S. goals for Syria and Iraq, including the enduring defeat of ISIS.”

Brett McGurk resigned in protest to President Trump’s decision to withdraw the forces from Syria.

Bas News