(Reuters) – Reactions from around the world to the events in Syria follow.
Syria’s army command notified officers on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule had ended, a Syrian officer briefed on the move told Reuters, after a swift rebel offensive that took the world by surprise.
PRESIDENT OF THE USA JOE BIDEN
“President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and are in constant contact with regional partners,” the White House said in a statement.
US PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP
“Assad is gone. He fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was no longer interested in protecting him,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Russia and Iran are currently in a weakened state, one because of Ukraine and the poor economy, the other because of Israel and its success in combat.”
TURKISH MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SAID
Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape the future of their own country, today there is hope, Fidan said at a press conference in Doha.
The Syrian people cannot do this alone. Turkey attaches importance to Syria’s territorial integrity. A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively, there must be no desire for revenge. Turkey calls on all actors to act prudently and be careful. Terrorist organizations must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation. Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and security in Syria.
The new Syria should not pose a threat to its neighbors, it should eliminate threats. Any expansion of the outlawed PKK militia cannot be considered legitimate counter-killing in Syria.
KONSTANTIN KOSACHEV, RUSSIAN LEGISLATOR
Syrians will have to deal with a full-scale civil war on their own, said Deputy Speaker of the Russian Parliament’s Upper House Konstantin Kosachev, Interfax news agency reported.
US PENTAGON OFFICIAL DANIEL SHAPIRO
“The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take the measures necessary to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro said at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain.
Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, especially minorities, and respect international norms.
GERMAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ANNALENA BAERBOCK:
“It is impossible to say exactly what is happening in Syria now. But one thing is clear: for millions of people in Syria, the end of Assad means the first big sigh of relief after an eternity of atrocities committed by the Assad regime.”
“Assad killed, tortured and used poison gas against his own people. He must finally answer for this.
“The country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals – regardless of the guise. We therefore call on the parties to the conflict to live up to their responsibility for all Syrians. This includes comprehensive protection of ethnic and religious minorities such as Kurds, Alawites or Christians and inclusive a political process that creates balance between groups.”
ITALIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ANTONIO TAJANI
“I am following the development of the situation in Syria with concerned attention. I am in constant contact with our embassy in Damascus and with the prime minister’s office. I have called an urgent meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Tajani said on X.
SPANISH MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOSE MANUEL ALBARES
“The situation seems to be peaceful. Spain has always hoped for a peaceful solution for Syria.”
UN SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SYRIA GEIR PEDERSEN
Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen underscores the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians to establish stable and inclusive transitional arrangements, the statement said.
He called on all Syrians to prioritize dialogue, unity and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights as they strive to rebuild their society, adding that he stands ready to support the Syrian people on their path to a stable and inclusive future.
“Today marks a watershed moment in the history of Syria – a nation that has endured nearly 14 years of merciless suffering and unspeakable loss… This dark chapter has left deep scars, but today we await with cautious hope the opening of a new one — peace, reconciliation, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians.”
CHIEF OF UN AID TOM FLETCHER:
“Events in Syria are moving with incredible speed. More than a decade of conflict has displaced millions of people. Now many more are at risk.
We will respond wherever, whenever we can to help people in need, including reception centers – food, water, fuel, tents, blankets.”
DEPUTY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, ANGELA RAYNER
“Dictatorship and terrorism are creating problems for the people of Syria who have already faced so much and are also destabilizing the region. That’s why we have to have a political solution where the government acts in the interest of the Syrian people. That’s what we want to see.”
“It’s the type of democracy that we say is right for the world, and that’s hopefully what the Syrian people will get.
“If Assad is gone, that’s a welcome change, but what comes next has to be a political solution, and they have to work in the interest of the Syrian people.”
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines calls on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from further violence, in order to prevent further civilian casualties and deaths.
