New US Senate bill on Syria

Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Bob Corker (R-TN), ranking members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a new bill to support the transition in Syria (Syria Transition Support Act).

This text, which reflects John Kerry’s efforts, focuses on six key elements:
– Authority to provide arms (including ground-to-air missiles) and military training to the Syrian armed opposition;
– Creation of an annual $250 million fund through FY2015 for regional transition support;
– Sanctions on arms and oil sales to Syria.
– Humanitarian assistance.
– Coordination between the government and Congress for the Geneva 2 conference;
– Amendment to the Syria Accountability Act to allow for sanctions removal once a transitional government is in place and chemical weapons are secured.