Arab parliamentary delegation arrives in Syria in show of solidarity

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Feb 16:03
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According to Syria's ambassador to Oman, Idris Mayya, a commission that was set up from trade and economic relations between the two countries is set to resume its activities in the near future.

President Al-Assad receives a delegation from the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union. (SANA)

A delegation of senior Arab officials, which include parliament speakers and legislators, landed in Damascus on Sunday, as part of a framework intended to restore the country's membership in the Arab League.

The senior officials were greeted by the Speaker of the People's Assembly of Syria, Hammouda Sabbagh, at Damascus International Airport.

"The atmosphere at the 34th conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad was very positive. It focused on unity among all Arab countries and underlined the need for Syria’s return to the Arab diplomatic fold," Sabbagh told reporters, noting that the inclusion of Syria is of crucial importance to tackle current regional challenges.

The Speaker of Egypt’s House of Representatives Hanafy el-Gebaly said, "We are here in Damascus to show our support for the brotherly nation of Syria, and demonstrate our solidarity with it in the aftermath of the devastating [February 6] earthquake."

"We are the same soul. We will stand by Syrians during the current difficult situation," Gebaly noted.

Iraq had particularly played a decisive role in pushing for the reinstatement of Syria in the League.

On Saturday, Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Halbousi called upon "all Arab countries, both at parliamentary and state levels, to adopt a final decision on Syria’s return to the Arab diplomatic fold."

He further called on Arab nations to assist Syria with the performance of its Arab, regional, and international duties, work diligently to restore national stability, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and assist Syrian refugees in returning to their homeland.

"Syria is facing a difficult situation in the aftermath of the February 6, devastating earthquake, which claimed thousands of lives and caused severe damage to public and private properties. We should all assume our responsibilities and help Syria overcome the repercussions of the crisis," Halbousi noted.

Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi also stressed the necessity for Damascus to return to the Arab League, noting that "Syria represents the history, glory, and civilization of the Arab world. Its sufferings have been exacerbated after the terrible earthquake disaster. This requires us to send more humanitarian aid to noble Syrians. We want Syria to act as an active and effective member of the Arab League in its decision-making."

It has been more than a decade since the country was illegally suspended from the Arab League over allegations of a crackdown on opposition protesters that were spearheaded by Western forces in 2011.

Being one of the six founding members of the alliance in 1945, several countries have been calling for the restoration of Syria's membership in recent years.

According to Syria's ambassador to Oman, Idris Mayya, a commission which was set up from trade and economic relations between the two countries is set to resume its activities in the near future.

The envoy further said that the sixth session of the joint economic commission is scheduled later this year in Muscat.

"The meeting will focus on exploring available channels for further advancement of bilateral trade relations," he said.

"The last time that Syria-Oman joint economic commission convened was in Damascus in 2010. It stopped its official activities following the outbreak of Syria conflict. Exchanges of economic, cultural and political delegations between the two countries, however, continued afterwards," Mayya noted.