In Doha, Qatar, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of ensuring that the opposition’s control in Syria does not endanger neighboring countries. He highlighted the necessity of assistance in rebuilding the war-torn nation.
Addressing reporters at the Doha Forum following the opposition’s capture of Damascus and ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, Fidan stressed the need for equal treatment of all minorities in Syria.
He emphasized unity and reconstruction as key priorities for Syria moving forward, urging inclusivity and rejecting any desires for retaliation.
Fidan also urged the Syrian opposition to reassure neighboring nations that a new Syria would not pose a threat but rather address existing challenges and eliminate risks.
People stand atop a toppled statue of Syria’s late President Hafez al-Assad in Damascus on December 8, 2024 [Louai Beshara/AFP]
The conflict in Syria began as a peaceful uprising against al-Assad but escalated into a devastating war involving various external actors, resulting in immense casualties and displacement.
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The swift capture of Damascus by opposition forces marked a significant turning point after seizing strategic cities during their offensive last month.
Citizens across Syria rejoiced at al-Assad’s downfall, although his current whereabouts remain unknown. Fidan urged caution from all involved parties to prevent further destabilization in the region.
When asked about al-Assad’s location, Fidan refrained from speculation but criticized his failure to reconcile with Syrians since 2016. He called for prudence and calm from both internal and external stakeholders to navigate this critical juncture effectively.
This article was sourced from www.aljazeera.com