AFP, PARIS: Islamist-led rebels toppled Syria’s longtime
ruler Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive that a UN envoy called “a
watershed moment” for the nation marred by civil war.
Here are key reactions from around the world:
– ‘Return to stability’: China –
China’s foreign ministry said it hopes Syria “returns to stability as soon as
possible” in the wake of the overthrow.
Beijing “is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and
hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible”, the foreign
ministry said.
– ‘Political dialogue’: Iran –
Diplomats from Assad ally Iran were reported to have left the embassy in
Damascus before it was attacked by “unknown individuals” on Sunday, Iranian
state TV said.
Their departure followed calls by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on
Saturday for “political dialogue” between the Syrian government and
opposition groups.
– ‘Country in turmoil’: Turkey –
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the overthrow of the Assad regime
was not sudden but rather the result of the grinding civil war.
“Of course, this didn’t happen overnight. For the last 13 years, the country
has been in turmoil,” Fidan said at conference in Doha.
– ‘Work together’: UAE –
A senior United Arab Emirates official urged Syrians on Sunday to collaborate
in order to avert a spiral into chaos.
“We hope that the Syrians will work together, that we don’t just see another
episode of impending chaos,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said at the
Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.
– ‘Cautious hope’: UN –
The UN envoy for Syria called the rebel takeover “a watershed moment” for the
country marred by nearly 14 years of civil war.
“Today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new (chapter) –
– one of peace, reconciliation, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians,”
special envoy Geir Pedersen said.
– ‘Russia not interested any longer’: Trump –
US President-elect Donald Trump attributed the fall of Assad to losing the
backing of Russia.
“Assad is gone,” he said on his Truth Social platform. “His protector,
Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in
protecting him any longer.”
His comments followed an earlier statement from National Security Council
spokesman Sean Savett that President Joe Biden was keeping a close eye on
“extraordinary events” transpiring and remained in constant contact with
regional partners.
