Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah stressed on Friday that the situation in Syria cannot persist and that a solution to its crisis can only be reached through dialogue.
The Arabs are united on Syria’s return to the Arab League, he added during a press conference at the conclusion of the organization’s summit in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah.
He also stressed that the Arabs understand the West’s position on Syria’s return to the League.
Syria’s membership was reinstated earlier this month more than a decade after it was suspended in wake of the conflict in the country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was present at the Jeddah summit.
“Syria’s place is at the Arab League so that dialogue can take place. We understand the position of the Unted States and our partners in the West, but tackling current challenges demands a new approach. We will hold talks with our partners to address their concerns,” he told reporters.
Prince Faisal said a number of issues needed to be addressed in Syria, such as its humanitarian crisis, the return of refugees and its economy.
The Jeddah summit discussed the most significant regional and international issues related to joint Arab world, he went on to say.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit: “The Arabs sense that they need to have a say in tackling Arab problems, rather than leave them to regional and international powers.”
On Syria’s return, he told reporters: “We hope that it would pave the way for more Arab involvement in resolving its crisis and restoring its natural role in the Arab world.”
“Syria needs the help of its brothers and at the same time, it must be receptive of the Arab efforts,” he added.
