U.S. ambassador to Syria Robert Ford has delayed his return to Damascus until later in the year, the State Department said Monday, November 21.

"We are now consulting with our allies and partners on an appropriate timing for his return," said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland. "We do still intend for him to go back."

Ford was abruptly withdrawn in October due to security threats. Several European nations have pulled their ambassadors out of Syria.

"Our issue here is to ensure that when he goes back, not only is he safe, not only is Syria willing to live up to its Vienna convention obligations, but also that he can be effective in getting out and meeting with people," said Nuland.

The State Department said in late October that Ford aimed to return to Syria by the Thanksgiving holiday, which falls on November 24.

Ford "will be now eating that turkey in the United States," said Nuland, a reference to the main Thanksgiving meal dish.

Nuland said however that Ford is expected back before the end of the year.

"Our current plan is for him to go relatively soon," said a senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.