At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, today, December 14, the foreign ministers of the member states of the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee on Syria met in the city of Aqaba.
the final statement of the Aqaba meeting, on Syria, declared “support for a peaceful political transition process in which all political forces in Syria are represented.”
The attendees discussed the developments that Syria has witnessed over the past weeks and stressed: standing by the brotherly Syrian people, providing them with all assistance and support at this delicate stage, and respecting their will and choices.
- Supporting a peaceful, inclusive Syrian-Syrian political transitional process, in which all syrian political and social forces, including women, youth and civil society, are represented fairly, and sponsored by the United Nations and the Arab League, and in accordance with the principles, objectives and mechanisms of Security Council Resolution No.2254, including the formation of an inclusive transitional governing body with consensus. Syrian, and begin implementing the steps specified by the resolution to move from the transitional phase to a new political system that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people with all its components, through free and fair elections, supervised by The United Nations, based on a new constitution approved by the Syrians, and within specific times in accordance with the mechanisms adopted by the resolution.
- Supporting the role of the UN envoy to syria, and requesting the Secretary-general of the United Nations to provide him with all necessary capabilities and to begin work on establishing a UN mission to assist Syria to support and sponsor the transitional process in Syria and to assist the brotherly Syrian people in achieving a political process led by the Syrians in accordance with Resolution 2254.
- This delicate stage requires a comprehensive national dialogue and the solidarity of the Syrian people with all their components, sects, and political and social forces to build the free, safe, stable, and unified Syria that the Syrian people deserve after many years of suffering and sacrifices.
- Commitment to strengthen efforts to combat terrorism and cooperate in combating it in light of the fact that it poses a threat to Syria and to the security of the region and the world, and defeating it constitutes a comprehensive priority.
- Absolute solidarity with the sister Syrian Arab Republic in protecting its unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, stability and the safety of its citizens.
- Providing the humanitarian support the Syrian people need, including through cooperation with relevant United Nations organizations.
- Creating security, living and political conditions for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and providing all necessary assistance for this, in cooperation with relevant United Nations organizations.
- Achieving national reconciliation and the principles of transitional justice in accordance with legal and humanitarian standards and without retaliation, and sparing the blood of the brotherly Syrian people, whose suffering deserves to end.
- Condemning Israel’s incursion into the buffer zone with Syria and a series of neighboring sites in Mount hermon, the Quneitra governorates, and the Damascus countryside, rejecting a brutal occupation in violation of international law and the disengagement agreement concluded between Syria and Israel in 1974, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and condemning Israeli raids on other areas and facilities in Syria, emphasizing that the Golan Heights is occupied Syrian Arab land whose occupation must be ended, and calling on the Security council Take the necessary measures to stop these intrusions.
- Syria’s security and stability are a pillar of security and stability in the region, and we will stand with its brotherly people in the process of rebuilding it as a unified, independent, stable Arab state that is safe for all its citizens, with no place for terrorism or extremism, and no violation of its sovereignty or assault on its territorial integrity from any party.
- Dealing with the new reality in Syria will be based on its consistency with the above principles and foundations, ensuring the achievement of the common goal of meeting the rights and aspirations of the Syrian people.
- Communicate with partners in the international community to formulate a comprehensive position that supports syria in its efforts to build the future that the brotherly Syrian people deserve, in line with the foundations agreed upon above, and in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.
“Aboul Gheit” talks about an crucial and sensitive stage in syria and reveals the goal of the Aqaba Arab meetings
The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, commented on the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee on Syria in the Jordanian city of Aqaba.
Aboul Gheit added in a blog post on his official account on the “X” platform, that “the transitional phase in Syria is “important and sensitive,” and it is important that it be comprehensive and reflect the diversity of syrian society.”
He pointed out that “the Arab Ministerial Committee on Syria looks forward to working with the Syrians for a accomplished transitional phase, and we encourage everyone to embrace dialogue and advance the interests of the nation.”
The Secretary-general of the League of Arab States stressed “the centrality of the principle of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
It is noteworthy that the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee on Syria includes the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,the Republic of Iraq,the Lebanese Republic,the Arab Republic of Egypt,and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States,in the presence of the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain,the current president of the Arab Summit,And the State of Qatar.
Last updated: December 14, 2024 – 20:47
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What are the main challenges to achieving a peaceful political transition in Syria?
Interviewer: Good morning, and welcome to this special segment of Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amal Al-Hussein, a prominent expert on Middle Eastern politics and human rights. Dr. Al-Hussein, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Al-Hussein: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to discuss such an vital topic.
Interviewer: The recent meeting of the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee on Syria in Aqaba has sparked considerable interest. The final statement emphasized support for a “peaceful political transition” in Syria. why is this moment meaningful?
Dr. Al-Hussein: This meeting is significant because it reflects a pivotal moment for Syria and its future. After years of conflict, the emphasis on a peaceful political transition is crucial. The involvement of regional players, especially in solidarity with the Syrian people, highlights a collective recognition of the need for an inclusive political process that represents all factions within Syria, including women, youth, and civil society.
Interviewer: One of the key points raised was the full portrayal of Syrian political and social forces during the transition. How crucial is this inclusivity for the future political landscape of Syria?
Dr. Al-Hussein: Inclusivity is absolutely essential. Without the representation of various groups, the political process risks marginalizing significant portions of the population, which can lead to further conflict. The goal should be to create a government that truly reflects the diversity of the Syrian people, accommodating their needs and aspirations. This can foster national reconciliation and stability in the long term.
Interviewer: The statement also reiterated support for the role of the UN envoy to syria. What impact do you think the UN can have in this situation?
Dr.Al-Hussein: The UN plays a critical role as a neutral mediator. With the right resources and authority,the UN can facilitate dialog,ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard,and help implement the mechanisms outlined in Security Council Resolution 2254. Their presence can also lend credibility to the political process and encourage international support for the transitional efforts.
interviewer: Terrorism has also been highlighted as a priority concern. Why is it important for regional cooperation in combating this threat considering the current situation?
Dr. Al-Hussein: Terrorism poses a significant threat not onyl to Syria but to the entire region and beyond. Regional cooperation is essential for a coordinated response. If different factions and neighboring countries work together, they can effectively tackle terrorist groups that thrive on instability. This united front is vital for restoring security and enabling the political transition to take root.
interviewer: rather poignantly, the statement makes mention of providing humanitarian support and creating conditions for the return of Syrian refugees. How can the international community assist in these efforts?
Dr. Al-Hussein: The international community must prioritize humanitarian aid and support efforts that enable safe and voluntary return for refugees. this involves improving security conditions, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring that returning citizens have access to basic services. Collaboration with NGOs and UN agencies is crucial for providing the necessary assistance and creating a conducive surroundings for reconciliation.
Interviewer: Dr.Al-Hussein, considering the complexities surrounding Syria, do you believe we are moving toward a resolution, or are we still in the early stages of a long process?
Dr. Al-Hussein: While the steps outlined in the Aqaba meeting are promising,we must recognize that the road to resolution is fraught with challenges. The commitment to dialogue and the inclusion of diverse voices are positive signs. However, achieving lasting peace and stability will require sustained effort, commitment from both domestic and international actors, and, most importantly, the unwavering support of the Syrian people themselves.
interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hussein, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that while the path ahead remains challenging, the discussions happening now in places like Aqaba are an essential first step toward a brighter future for Syria.
Dr. Al-Hussein: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to engage in these conversations and support the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace.
Interviewer: And that wraps up our discussion for today. Thank you for tuning into Time.news. Until next time!