For the first time in a decade, American diplomats have arrived in Damascus.

"Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" has been designated as a terrorist organization by the UN and recognized as such in the US, other Western countries, and Russia. Washington has announced a reward of $10 million for information leading to the capture of the group's leader, Mohammed al-Jolani (real name Ahmed al-Sharaa). The group was previously closely linked to "Al-Qaeda" and is accused of carrying out a number of terrorist attacks and ethnic cleansing. However, it has recently declared a softening of its positions on several issues, as noted by The Washington Post. In particular, al-Jolani stated in recent interviews asserted that Syria will not become like Afghanistan under the Taliban's rule, and specifically that the new authorities will not restrict women's rights.

The armed units of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" played a crucial role in the ousting of authoritarian president Bashar al-Assad in early December after more than 10 years of civil war.

Negotiations with representatives of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" will focus on issues of power transition in Syria to an inclusive government and the fate of American citizens who have gone missing in the country, according to a statement from a US State Department spokesperson.

The Biden administration is considering the possibility of removing the group from the terrorist list, reports NBC News. However, the White House has put forward a list of conditions that must be met before the US officially recognizes the Syrian government.

Negotiations with "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" have already been conducted by the UN envoy, the United Kingdom, and President of Russia Vladimir Putin has also mentioned contacts. French diplomats have visited Damascus, and on Tuesday, the national flag was raised over the French embassy in Syria for the first time in 12 years.

In addition to representatives of the group, diplomats intend to hold meetings with civil society representatives, activists, and members of various communities, according to the statement. It is expected that American representatives will listen to their positions on the future of Syria and how "the US can assist them".