Assad’s reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria’s civil war
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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. File Photo
World powers vowed to work for stability in Syria and the surrounding region after Islamist-led rebels on Sunday toppled its longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Here is a round-up of key reactions:
High alert: Russia
Assad’s ally Moscow said Russian troops in Syria were on high alert but that the rebels had “guaranteed” the security of its army bases in the country.
Prior to reports that Assad had fled to Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Syria must not be allowed to fall into the hands of a “terrorist group”.
‘Assad should be held accountable’: US
“We will engage with all Syrian groups… to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign” Syria, US President Joe Biden said.
“Assad should be held accountable,” he said when asked what should happen to the deposed president.
‘Return to stability’: China
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.
‘Friendly relations’: Iran
Iran’s foreign ministry said it expects “friendly” relations with Syria to continue.
It said it would adopt “appropriate approaches” towards Syria in accordance with the behaviour of “effective actors” in Damascus.
‘Heal wounds’: Turkey
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country, which has supported rebel movements in Syria, would help “to heal Syria’s wounds and guarantee its unity, integrity and security”.
‘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.
End to ‘barbaric’ state: France
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s “barbaric state” in Syria.
“I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience.”
‘Contribution’: Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Berlin was ready to make “its contribution” to a political solution to bring peace back to the war-stricken country.
“Bashar Al-Assad has oppressed his own people in a brutal manner, he has countless lives on his conscience,” said the German leader.
‘Work together’: UAE
A senior United Arab Emirates official urged Syrians 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.
‘Peace and stability’: UK
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a peaceful and stable Syria, urging the protection of civilians and minorities.
Arriving in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, the premier said he was “talking to regional allies”, calling the removal of Assad a “real opportunity”.
‘Long-awaited’: EU
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