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GLOBAL leaders have called for unity, and a transitional government, in Syria after president Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia.
Al-Assad fled just before rebel forces captured the capital, Damascus, after 13 years of civil war.
Moscow has reportedly confirmed it had given al-Assad and his family asylum, according to overseas media reports.
It follows the capture of Damascus by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-aligned rebels and a speech by HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani in the city’s Umayyad Mosque.
There were also reports of Israeli airstrikes on a military airbase.
US President Joe Biden also confirmed they had carried out more than 75 airstrikes in Syria on Islamic State targets.
WORLD REACTION
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says his government is talking to their allies and watching events unfold closely.
“The developments in Syria in recent hours and days are unprecedented.
“The Syrian people have suffered under al-Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” he said.
He emphasised that a political solution must prevail for peace and stability to be restored.
“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.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about Syria, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed.
“Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, including members of minority groups, across Syria,” Miller said.
The spokesman said Blinken also reinforced the need for a political solution.
UN ENVOY
The UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen described the fall of the regime as “a watershed moment” for Syria.
“… we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new time—one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians,” he said.
He called for unity, dialogue and restraint in the country and that the immediate step forward is a transitional government.
Pedersen told journalists that he had talked to the foreign ministers of Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan Russia, Turkey and Iran about a transitional government for Syria.
He admitted that that the involvement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was “challenging” since it is a designated terrorist organisation with links to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
“The situation on the ground has changed dramatically. Obviously, the fact that HTS is a listed group creates challenges,” he said.
“… we are following extremely closely what is happening on the ground with all armed factions.
“… what we are seeing coming out of Damascus are what I would call contradictory messages at this time but what I think is important to stress is that we avoid bloodshed, that there is dialogue, that there is an inclusive process and a preparation for transitional arrangements.”
