The United Nations secretary-general marked the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.”
A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria.
He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.”
The European Union’s top diplomat welcomed the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and said that the collapse of his rule underlines how weak his supporters in Moscow and Tehran have become.
“The end of Assad’s dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas posted on X.
“Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners, in Syria and the region,” said Kallas, who took over as the 27-nation bloc’s top diplomat last week.
Reacting to the fall of Assad’s government, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Sunday that “what matters now is that law and order are quickly restored in Syria.”
“The Syrian people have experienced appalling suffering,” the chancellor said in an emailed statement. “The end of Assad’s rule over Syria is therefore good news.”
He stressed that “all religious communities, all minorities must enjoy protection now and in the future.”
“We will judge the future rulers by whether they make it possible for all Syrians to live in dignity and self-determination, defend Syria’s sovereignty against malicious interference by third parties and live in peace with their neighbors,” Scholz added.
France welcomed news of Assad’s ouster and called for fighting to end and a peaceful political transition in the country.
"Now is the time for unity in Syria," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s rule as he called for peace and the protection of civilians.
“The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said.
He said the UK was focused on a political solution to restore peace and stability.
“We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said.
China hopes for stability
China said it was closely monitoring the situation in Syria and that it hoped stability would return as soon as possible, according to a statement published Sunday on the Foreign Ministry’s website.
Beijing said it has been helping Chinese nationals who wish to leave Syria to do so in a safe manner and that it remained in contact with those still in the country.
“We urge relevant parties in Syria to ensure the safety and security of the Chinese institutions and personnel in Syria,” the statement read.
“The Chinese Embassy is still up and running and carrying out its duty in Syria. We will continue to make every possible assistance to Chinese nationals in need.”
