📌 KSA to Turkey: "Syria Is Ours Too”
In a significant diplomatic move to redefine its role in Syria, Saudi Arabia hosted a high-profile meeting on Sunday, gathering Arab, regional, and international stakeholders to discuss Syria’s future. The meeting included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani and representatives from 22 countries, along with key organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union.
The final communiqué emphasized a unified vision to support the Syrian people in rebuilding a sovereign, independent, and stable nation free from terrorism and external interference. Participants called for a Syrian-led political transition that includes all societal components, with dialogue seen as essential to addressing challenges while respecting Syria’s territorial integrity. Participants also expressed concern over Israeli incursions in the Golan Heights and Quneitra, warning of their potential destabilizing effects on the region.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan commended Syria’s recent efforts to preserve state institutions, combat terrorism, and initiate political dialogue. He stressed that Syria’s stability and sovereignty are paramount, reiterating calls for lifting sanctions that hinder recovery. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed these sentiments, proposing mechanisms to streamline international efforts and advocating for targeted sanctions relief. Describing Al-Shibani's participation as "a pivotal moment," Fidan criticized the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stating, "If the SDF is genuine in its intent to integrate with the central government, it must announce its dissolution."
In a parallel diplomatic effort, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met his Turkish counterpart to address the terrorism issue in Syria, which Cairo views as critical, particularly due to the presence of Egyptian nationals involved in the conflict. Abdel-Aty stressed the importance of regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism, emphasizing that Syria should not harbor groups or individuals posing a threat to neighboring states. Meanwhile, Germany pledged €50 million in humanitarian aid but maintained its stance on retaining sanctions against Assad’s allies. Germany is also leading EU discussions to ease specific sanctions in critical sectors. Qatar, in a notable move, dispatched its first gas shipment to Syria, aiming to support the nation’s failing energy infrastructure.
Domestically, Syria is grappling with increasing internal unrest. A series of targeted assassinations of community and religious leaders, including the recent killing of Sheikh Omar Mohieddin Houri, has fueled public anger. The Syrian government’s failure to hold perpetrators accountable and its vague attribution of the killings to "unknown assailants" have further eroded trust in its administration. Additionally, mass layoffs of government employees have sparked protests, particularly in Aleppo, where demonstrators expressed frustration over the loss of income and the lack of alternative employment opportunities. Similar protests are expected to spread across Syria.
Full report in Arabic: https://al-akhbar.com/arab/819279