Syrian opposition negotiator decries U.S. ‘silence’…

RIYADH, June 28 (Reuters) – Syria’s chief opposition negotiator Nasr al-Hariri on Thursday decried “U.S. silence” over a Syrian government offensive in southwest Syria, where Washington agreed a “de-escalation” zone last year with Jordan and Damascus’ ally Russia.

Speaking in Riyadh, he said that only a “malicious deal” could explain the lack of a U.S. response over the government’s Russia-backed campaign in the southwest, after Washington used military force against attacks on allies elsewhere in Syria. (Reporting By Sarah Dadouch in Riyadh, writing by Angus McDowall in Beirut; editing by John Stonestreet)