Arab Contact Group reaffirms commitment to Syria’s political transition and humanitarian support

AQABA, Jordan — On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Arab Contact Group in Aqaba, Jordan, on Syria, a statement was issued by the United States, the Arab Contact Group, and other participating nations, including Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen.

The statement expressed full support for the Syrian people at this critical juncture in their history, emphasizing the need to build a secure, peaceful, and hopeful future. It reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to principles aligned with the interests of the Syrian people, the region, and the international community.

The statement underscored that the transitional political process in Syria must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, resulting in an inclusive, non-sectarian, and representative government. This process should be transparent and adhere to the framework established by UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The participants also voiced strong support for the mandate of the UN Special Envoy to Syria and the UN Secretary-General’s call to expand the UN’s presence on the ground. They reiterated the importance of Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for human rights, including the rights of women and minorities.

The statement highlighted the need to preserve state institutions that serve the Syrian people and ensure the provision of essential services. It also called for unrestricted humanitarian assistance, freedom of movement for displaced persons and returnees, and the protection of foreign diplomatic facilities and personnel.

Additionally, the participants stressed the importance of securing chemical weapons stockpiles, facilitating access to former regime prisons to promote accountability, and determining the fate of missing Syrians and foreigners.

The statement declared that the coming period will be a crucial test for these principles and urged all parties to adhere to them. It reiterated the participants’ call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria and respect for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity in accordance with the UN Charter.

The Arab Contact Group emphasized that upholding these commitments will guide the future approach of participating nations toward achieving peace and stability in Syria.