NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed cautious optimism this Monday (9) following the events in Syria, calling for a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive Syrian-led political process.
“This is a moment of joy, but also of uncertainty for the people of Syria and the region. We hope there will be a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive Syrian-led political process,” Rutte said in a statement.
Rutte also emphasized the need for Syrian rebel leaders to uphold the rule of law, protect civilians and respect religious minorities during the transition.
He criticized Russia and Iran, the main supporters of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, for their roles in the conflict and said they abandoned Assad when he no longer served their interests.
Rutte added that Moscow and Tehran shared responsibility for crimes committed against the Syrian people.
White House says Syria command is “an open question”
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said it is “an open question” who is governing Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime over the weekend.
Kirby added that he “cannot speak to” any direct communication between the United States and Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group designated as a terrorist organization by Washington, but that they are speaking with counterparts in the region who can deliver messages to all rebel groups.
“We will, as the president said yesterday, explore our means of communication with all of these groups,” he said.
Kirby also said “it’s not about words, it’s about actions” when asked how much they trusted the HTS leader.
And when asked who is governing Syria this Monday, Kirby said bluntly: “That’s an open question.”
“I think they are trying to resolve this among themselves, but it is an open question. In fact, the very fact that it’s an open question, as the president said, we’re in a period of uncertainty here, so we’re going to work through every process we can,” he continued.
This content was originally published in NATO chief calls for peaceful transition in Syria and criticizes Russia and Iran on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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