Iran: Syria’s future should be decided only by Syrians
Syrian Foreign Ministry hails ‘new chapter’ in country’s history
Iran’s Foreign Ministry in a statement reacted to the fall of the Syrian government on Sunday, saying that Syria’s future should be decided only by its people and without “foreign imposition or destructive intervention.”
The statement came after militant groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the capital Damascus after days of advance against government forces, which led to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government.
“In light of the recent developments in Syria, Iran’s Foreign Ministry, while recalling Iran’s principled stance on respecting the unity, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria, emphasizes that determining the fate and making decisions about the future of Syria is solely the responsibility of the people of this country, without destructive interference or foreign imposition,” the statement said.
National dialogue
“In order to achieve this important [issue], it is necessary to end military conflicts as soon as possible, prevent terrorist acts, and initiate national dialogue with the participation of all segments of Syrian society to form an inclusive government that represents all Syrian people,” it said.
Pointing to deep-rooted and cordial relations between the Iranian and Syrian people, it is expected that the two countries will pursue a wise and far-sighted approach to maintain mutual ties based on common interests, the statement said.
The statement said Iran reiterates the status of Syria as an “important and influential” country in the West Asia region and will spare no effort to help the country establish security and stability.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran closely monitors developments in Syria and the region and will adopt appropriate approaches and positions while taking into account the behavior and performance of influential players in the Syrian political and security scene,” it said.
‘A new chapter’ in Syria’s history
Syria’s Foreign Ministry issued its first statement following the collapse of the government, declaring a “new chapter” in the nation’s history while urging unity and continued public service.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry stated on Sunday that a new page in the country’s history has begun.
The ministry emphasized the formation of a “national pact” to unite Syrians during this critical period.
“We must strive to build a nation where justice and equality prevail, and where everyone fulfills their rights and duties,” the statement read.
The ministry assured citizens that it, along with its diplomatic missions abroad, remains committed to serving the public and managing their affairs.
“Our continued responsibilities are grounded in the trust placed in us to ensure the supremacy of our homeland,” the statement added.
Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire on Sunday after a stunning militant advance reached the capital, putting an end to the Assad family’s 53-year rule.
Assad, who had not spoken in public since the sudden militant advance a week ago, flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters.
His whereabouts now – and those of his wife Asma and their two children – were unknown.
Russia, a close ally, said Assad left the country after negotiaشtions with militant groups and had given instructions to transfer power peacefully.
Transfer of power
The Syrian militant coalition said it was continuing work to complete the transfer of power in the country to a transitional governing body with full executive powers.
Hours after the capture of the capital by militants, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali in a statement called for free elections.
Jalali also said he had been in contact with leader of militants Abu Mohammed al-Julani to discuss managing the transitional period, marking a notable development in efforts to shape Syria’s political future.
Iraq urges respect for
‘free will of all Syrians’
Iraq’s government spokesman Basim Alawadi in a statement urged respect for the “free will” of all Syrians and the country’s territorial integrity.
“Iraq reaffirms the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians and emphasizes that the security, territorial integrity and independence of Syria are of paramount importance,” the statement said.
Turkey, which has been supporting opposition forces since the beginning of war in Syria in 2011, said on Sunday it wants to help “guarantee security” in Syria.
“Turkey is ready to take responsibility for all that is necessary to heal Syria’s wounds and guarantee its unity, integrity and security,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in a post on X.
“We will intensify our work on this matter with countries in the region and with international actors in the coming days.”
Fidan added that he hoped the “millions of Syrians who had to leave their homes will be able to return to their homeland.”
He said earlier, after meeting on Saturday with his Russian and Iranian counterparts, that international and regional actors should ensure a smooth transition from the Assad government.
Kurdish separatists
Fidan said Ankara would work to prevent Kurdish separatists from extending their influence in Syria.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also warned Syria must not be allowed to slide into chaos.
The Persian Gulf emirate said it was “closely monitoring the developments in Syria,” and emphasized “the necessity of preserving national institutions and the unity of the state to prevent it from descending into chaos.”
Qatar – which gave early support to the militants following the war in Syria, has remained a fierce critic of the Syrian leader.
“The ministry calls upon all parties to engage in dialogue to safeguard the lives of the citizens,” the statement said, voicing Qatar’s “unwavering support for the Syrian people and their choices.”
The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said the EU’s priority is to “ensure security” in the region and pledged to work with “all the constructive partners” in Syria and more broadly across the area. Germany and France also welcomed the fall of Syrian government.