Foreign Ministers of GCC states, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq: “We support all efforts aiming at reaching a political solution to the crisis in Syria “

RIYADH- The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council plus Jordan, Egypt and Iraq have affirmed their support for all the efforts being exerted to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria, a solution that ends all the repercussions of the crisis, preserves Syria’s unity, security, stability and Arab identity and helps Syria return to its Arab environment for the good of the Syrian people.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted the Saudi Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement at the conclusion of a consultative meeting of the Arab foreign ministers in Jeddah on Saturday, that the ministers exchanged view points on the efforts that have been exerted to reach a political solution in Syria, affirming that such a solution is the only way to end the crisis in the country and stressing the importance of an Arab leadership role in the efforts to end this crisis. The ministers called for setting up the necessary mechanisms for this role, and intensifying consultations among Arab countries to ensure the success of these efforts.”

The ministers underlined the need to fight all forms of terrorism and terrorist organizations and to support the Syrian state to preserve its sovereignty over its territories, end the presence of armed militias in the country and halt foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

The ministers also agreed on the importance of solving the humanitarian crisis in Syria, providing a suitable environment for aid to reach all regions in the country, creating the necessary conditions for the return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their areas, the statement said.

In addition, the ministers held consultations on several developments in the region, including the situation in occupied Palestine. They asserted that the Palestinian cause is the top central Arab cause, condemning the illegal practices of the Israeli occupation that undermine all opportunities to attain a just and comprehensive peace. They also condemned the Israeli repeated attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Hamda Mustafa