Assad left Syria, ordered peaceful transfer of power: Lavrov
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow did not participate in power transfer talks in Syria and expressed concern over developments, emphasizing that Russian military bases there are on high alert.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gestures as he speaks at the Doha Forum in Doha, Qatar, on December 7, 2024. (AP)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed on Sunday that "Moscow did not participate in talks on the transfer of power" in Syria.
Lavrov expressed Russia's concern about developments in Syria, stressing that "Russian military bases in Syria are in a mode of increased combat readiness."
He pointed out that "[Former President Bashar] al-Assad left the presidential post and Syria after negotiations with Syrian conflict participants, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully," calling on all parties to refrain from violence and resolve problems politically.
In the same context, the United Nations' Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, emphasized earlier the widespread demand from millions of Syrians for the establishment of stable and inclusive transitional arrangements, as stated in a declaration released on Sunday.
Earlier today, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Syria has reached a pivotal moment where the Syrian people will "shape the future of their own country," adding that "today, there is hope."
He added that "the Syrian people cannot do this alone," highlighting that "Turkiye attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity."
With regards to the future of Syria, Fidan called for a period of calm to pave the way for a political process. He added that "A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively. There should be no desire for revenge."
Moreover, the Foreign Minister said that Turkiye is calling on all actors to "act with prudence," warning against actions made without caution.
