Paris, France:
World powers vowed on Sunday to work for stability in Syria and the surrounding region after Islamist-led rebels overthrew the government of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
A summary of the main reactions is as follows.
High alert: Russia
The Russian government, an ally of President Bashar al-Assad, said Russian troops in Syria were on high alert but that the rebels were “guaranteeing” the security of Russian military bases in the country.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Syria should not be allowed to fall into the hands of “terrorist groups”, ahead of reports that Assad had fled to Moscow.
‘President Assad must be held accountable’: US
US President Joe Biden said he would “work with all Syrian organizations to establish a transition from the Assad regime to an independent and sovereign Syria.”
Asked by reporters what would happen to the deposed president, who reportedly fled to Moscow, Biden said: “Assad should be held accountable.”
“Return to stability”: China
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Chinese government is “closely monitoring developments in 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 expected “friendly” relations with Syria to continue.
It said it would adopt an “appropriate approach” to Syria depending on the actions of “effective actors” in Damascus.
“Healing the wounds”: Türkiye
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country, which has supported the rebel movement in Syria, would help “heal Syria’s wounds and ensure its unity, integrity and security.”
“Prudent Hope”: United Nations
The UN special envoy for Syria said the rebel takeover was a “watershed moment” for the country, which has been scarred by nearly 14 years of civil war.
Special Envoy Geir Pedersen said: “Today, we look forward with cautious hope to the beginning of a new chapter of peace, reconciliation, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians.”
The end of the “barbarian” nation: France
French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s “barbaric state” in Syria.
“I salute the Syrian people, their courage and perseverance. In these uncertain times, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom and unity,” he wrote to X.
“Contribution”: Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the fall of Assad as “good news” and said Germany was ready to “contribute” to a political solution to restore peace to the war-hit country. , did not provide details.
“Bashar al-Assad is brutally oppressing his own people, costing countless lives in remorse,” the German head of state said.
“Let’s work together”: United Arab Emirates
A senior United Arab Emirates official called on Syrians to work together to avoid a spiral into chaos.
“We hope that Syrians will cooperate and that the impending chaos will not just happen again,” Presidential Advisor 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 and called for the protection of civilians and ethnic minorities.
The prime minister, who arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he was “talking to our allies in the region” and described Assad’s removal as a “real opportunity”.
“Long-awaited”: EU
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen similarly said the EU would help rebuild “a Syrian state that protects all minorities.”
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Karas, hailed Assad’s ouster as a “positive and long-awaited development”, saying it “demonstrates the weakness of Assad’s supporters Russia and Iran”. Ta.
Blow to Iran: Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the overthrow of Assad as the collapse of “a central link in Iran’s axis of evil.”
He said this was “a direct result of the blow we inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah” as Israel shelled Lebanon.
Don’t rely on Putin: Ukraine
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Shibiga welcomed Assad’s departure, saying the authoritarian regime, dependent on President Putin’s support, was doomed to collapse, while stressing Kiev’s support for the Syrian people.
“Relief”: Netherlands
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schauff called Assad’s overthrow “a relief for all those who suffered under his brutal dictatorship.”
Mr. Shouf called for “a peaceful transition and the restoration of stability, while ensuring respect for all minorities in the country.”
Independent Islamic Government: Taliban
Afghanistan’s Taliban government congratulated the Syrian people and rebels and hoped the transition would lead to an “independent, service-oriented Islamic government” and Syria “free from outside interference.”
“Free Will”: Iraq
Iraqi government spokesman Basim Allawadi said Iraq “calls for respect for the free will of all Syrians and emphasizes that Syria’s security, territorial integrity and independence are of paramount importance.”
“Unfathomable needs”: Red Cross
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said Syrians faced “immense and urgent needs” after suffering “incalculable suffering” from more than a decade of conflict.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
