Bahrain Syria crisis summit: New chaos to be prevented
Following the fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, Arab and international diplomats have called for a peaceful transition in the civil war-torn country at a summit in Jordan. "We all stand by Syria in the reconstruction phase after years of killing," said Jordanian Foreign Minister Aiman al-Safadi.
14.12.2024, 18:16
SDA
Last weekend, a rebel alliance led by Islamists took power. It is still unclear what rights they will grant minorities, for example, and whether the years-long war, in which international powers were also involved, will now come to an end.
Al-Safadi spoke of a historic moment. "We will do everything we can to support the launch of an inclusive and comprehensive political process." They do not want Syria to sink into chaos.
He condemned the Israeli attacks on weapons depots in Syria and the deployment of Israeli troops on the Golan Heights, which belong to Syria under international law. Israel is trying to exploit the vacuum in Syria, he said.
Blinken: Process must take place under Syrian leadership
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told journalists: "We agreed that the transition process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned and should produce an inclusive and representative government." It is also important that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Syria must not be used as a base for terrorist groups or others who threaten the Syrian people, its neighbors or the world.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: "The next few days will not be easy, but Turkey will continue to stand side by side with the Syrian people." Turkey, which supports the victorious rebels, is seen as the most influential foreign player following the change of power.
Kallas: "Syria's future is optimistic but uncertain"
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas was also present at the meeting in the port city of Aqaba. "What we want to see is the establishment of a unified government," Kallas told the German Press Agency. As far as the new leadership was concerned, there was great uncertainty. The EU wants to see a stable country. "We want a peaceful country. And we want all minorities to be respected, without retribution and without revenge"
The foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar were also present at the meeting. The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, also took part in the special summit. Syrian representatives were not present.
