GCC denounces Israeli attacks on Syria 'clear violation' of Intl. law
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GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi also praised the positive steps taken by the Syrian interim government.
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The participants in the extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Doha (Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
During the 46th extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Doha, Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi emphasized the union's "support for all efforts aimed at strengthening the security and stability of Lebanon and Syria."
He further stated, "Israeli attacks on Syria constitute a clear violation of international law," and praised the positive steps taken by the Syrian interim government, as well as efforts to preserve Syrian state institutions, urging the promotion of dialogue.
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya also reiterated his country's full support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly rejecting foreign interference.
He called for an end to Israeli aggression against Lebanon, Syria, and Palestinian territories, and reaffirmed support for Palestinian rights, particularly the establishment of an independent state.
Iraqi delegation meets new Syrian leadership on border security
In a related development, an Iraqi delegation met with Syria's new leadership in Damascus on Thursday, according to an Iraqi government spokesperson. This marks the latest diplomatic engagement, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime more than two weeks ago.
The delegation, led by Iraqi intelligence chief Hamid al-Shatri, "met with the new Syrian administration," government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi told state media.
He added that the discussions focused on "the developments in the Syrian arena, and security and stability needs on the two countries' shared border."
Lebanon seeks 'best neighbourly relations' with Syria's new leadership
On his part, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib expressed his hope for strong relations with Syria's new leadership following a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, according to a statement from the Lebanese Foreign Ministry.
"Lebanon hopes for the best neighborly relations with the new government in Syria," Bou Habib told Syria's new top diplomat Assaad Hassan al-Shibani.
Russia interested in dialogue with new Syrian authorities: Lavrov
Earlier on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed that Russia is interested in dialogue with the new Syrian authorities on regional issues.
Lavrov told a press conference for Russian and foreign media that Russia is maintaining contact with the new Syrian authorities through its diplomatic mission and is currently addressing matters concerning the safety of Russian citizens and the secure operation of its embassy.
"We are interested and ready for dialogue on other issues of our bilateral relations and on issues of the regional agenda," he said.
The Minister stated that Russia anticipates the resumption of economic cooperation with the new Syrian authorities.
The top diplomat also emphasized that all political and ethno-religious groups should be involved in Syria's elections, adding that Russia is prepared to support the political process.
"Syria must not be allowed to fall apart. Some would like that," Lavrov stressed.
![In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had "engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)](https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2024/12/21/b4a69f2e-8682-43e4-9d37-49482b304ab3/3.png?v=2&format=webp "In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had \"engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)")
