國務院臨時記者會：敘利亞

QUESTION: Sir, does Assad have to go?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Assad’s role in the future is uncertain, clearly. And with the acts that he has taken, it would seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people.

QUESTION: And so what steps is the United States prepared to take in order to remove him from power?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, the process by which Assad would leave is something that I think requires an international community effort, both to first defeat ISIS within Syria, to stabilize the Syrian country, to avoid further civil war, and then to work collectively with our partners around the world through a political process that would lead to Assad leaving.

QUESTION: So will you and President Trump organize an international coalition to remove Assad?

QUESTION: Is the administration considering military strikes – new military strikes?  There’s been reports out today saying that. Can you talk about that?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: We are considering an appropriate response for this chemical weapons attack which violates all previous UN resolutions, violates international norms and long-held agreements between parties, including the Syrian regime, the Russian Government, and all other members of the UN Security Council.  It’s a serious matter; it requires a serious response. Thank you.

https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/04/269540.htm