Turkey and France announced their readiness to support Syria in the critical transition period after the fall of the regime of President Bashar Assad, reports BTA.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in Ankara that his country is ready to cooperate in building a “new Syria” in which different ethnic and religious groups can live in peace. “We believe that the Syrian people will take advantage of this golden opportunity. "The events in Syria give us a ray of hope for lasting reconciliation and stability," said Fidan. He emphasized that the international community, especially the UN, should actively support the process of building inclusive governance in the country.
At the same time, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barro said Paris would send a diplomatic representative to Syria and support a political transition provided women's rights, minorities' rights and international law are respected. “Creating a strong state that respects the ethnic, political and religious diversity of Syrians is the best guarantee against terrorism and migration crises,”, noted Baro.
Both ministers expressed concern about the threats of extremism and jihadism. Barro stressed that Paris would use its “close ties with the Syrian opposition and some minorities” to promote a balanced and just transition.
With the fall of the Assad regime after 13 years of civil war, the international community is facing a new reality in Syria. Both Turkey and France expressed their commitment to preventing a split in the country and promoting the peace process in the region.