World powers vowed to work for stability in Syria and the surrounding region after Islamist-led rebels ousted Syria's longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad on Sunday.
Here is a summary of the major reactions:
– High alert: Russia –
Assad ally Moscow said Russian troops in Syria were on high alert but rebels had “guaranteed” the security of its military bases in the country.
Ahead of reports that Assad had fled to Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Syria should not be allowed to fall into the hands of a “terrorist group”.
– 'Assad must be held accountable': America –
US President Joe Biden said, “We will join with all Syrian groups … to establish a transition toward an independent, sovereign Syria away from the Assad regime.”
When asked what should happen to the ousted president, he said, “Assad must be held accountable.”
Also read: Rebels declare end of Assad regime in Syria
– 'Return to stability': China –
The Foreign Ministry said, “Beijing is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria will return to stability as soon as possible.”
– 'Friendly relations': Iran –
Iran's Foreign Ministry said it hoped “friendly” relations with Syria would continue.
It said it would take an “appropriate approach” towards Syria in line with the behavior of “influential actors” in Damascus.
– 'Heal the wounds': Türkiye –
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country, which has supported rebel movements in Syria, would help “heal Syria's wounds and guarantee its unity, integrity and security.”
– 'Vigilant hope': United Nations –
The UN envoy for Syria called the rebel capture “a watershed moment” for the country torn by nearly 14 years of civil war.
Special envoy Geir Pedersen said, “Today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new (chapter) – one of peace, reconciliation, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians.”
– End of the 'barbarian' state: France –
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad's “barbaric state” in Syria.
“I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience.”
– 'Contribution': Germany –
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Berlin was ready to “make its contribution” to a political solution to bring peace back to the war-torn country.
“Bashar al-Assad brutally oppresses his own people, with countless lives on his conscience,” the German leader said.
– 'Work together': UAE –
A senior UAE official urged Syrians to cooperate to prevent a situation of chaos.
“We hope that Syrians will work together so that we do not see another episode of imminent chaos,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.
– 'Peace and stability': UK –
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a peaceful and stable Syria, urging the protection of civilians and minorities.
The prime minister, who arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he was “talking to regional allies”, calling Assad's removal a “real opportunity”.
– 'Long awaited': EU –
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would help rebuild “a Syrian state that will protect all minorities”.
The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas described Assad's fall as “a positive and long-awaited development” which “also reflects the weakness of Assad's supporters, Russia and Iran”.
– Shock to Iran: Israel –
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Assad's overthrow as the fall of “the central link in Iran's axis of evil.”
He called it “a direct result of the strikes we have taken on Iran and Hezbollah,” the terrorist group that Israel is bombing in Lebanon.
– Don't trust Putin: Ukraine –
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga welcomed Assad's departure, saying authoritarians relying on Putin's support were certain to fall, while he stressed Kiev's support for the Syrian people.
– Independent Islamic Government: Taliban –
The Taliban government of Afghanistan congratulated the Syrian people and the rebels, hoping the change would create “an independent and service-oriented Islamic government” and Syria “free from outside interference.”
– 'Free Will': Iraq –
Government spokesman Basim Alawadi said Iraq “urged to respect the free will of all Syrians and stressed that Syria's security, territorial integrity and independence are paramount”.
– 'Freedom and Prosperity': Japan –
Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tokyo was watching the latest developments “with great interest.”
“We sincerely hope that the violence in Syria will stop as soon as possible and all Syrians can enjoy their basic human rights, freedom and prosperity,” he said.
– 'Extreme needs': Red Cross –
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said the Syrian people faced “extreme and urgent needs” after “immense suffering” caused by more than a decade of conflict.
AFP
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