G7 ready to support political transition in Syria, says ‘all parties’ must ‘preserve Syria’s territorial integrity’

By Reuters 12 December 2024, 2:24 pm

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A woman holding a rifle borrowed from a Syrian opposition fighter poses for a picture, next to a government forces tank that was left on a street, at the Umayyad Square in Damascus, Syria, December 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Leaders of the Group of Seven major democracies “stand ready to support a transition process that leads to credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance” in Syria, a statement says.

The G7 says a political transition after the end of Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule has to ensure “respect for the rule of law, universal human rights, including women’s rights, the protection of all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities, transparency and accountability.”

“The G7 will work with and fully support a future Syrian government that abides by those standards and results from that process,” the statement adds.

The leaders also call on “all parties” to “preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity, and respect its independence and sovereignty.”