Rutte on Assad's regime fall: Moment of joy but uncertainty for Syrians
Photo: Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General (Getty Images)
The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime is a moment of joy for Syria but also a period of uncertainty for the region, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated, according to Sky News.
Rutte emphasized that Russia and Iran must share responsibility for crimes committed against the Syrian people by Assad's regime.
He described the two countries as the regime's "main backers". But despite this, both Moscow and Tehran turned out to be "unreliable partners, abandoning Assad when he ceased to be of use to them."
The NATO chief expressed hope for a peaceful transfer of power and an inclusive political process led by Syrians.
“We hope for a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive Syrian-led political process. We will be closely watching to see how the rebel leaders conduct themselves during this transition,” Rutte said.
According to the Secretary General, Syria's new leaders must uphold the rule of law, protect civilians and respect religious minorities.
Read more about the situation in Syria in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
Fall of Assad's regime
In November, intense fighting erupted in Syria between the Islamist group Tahrir al-Sham, units of the Syrian National Army, and forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia and Iran. By December 1, rebels had captured Aleppo and later Hama.
It is now known that Assad is now in Moscow.
Meanwhile, former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab is expected to lead a transitional government, allowing the United States to avoid dealing with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s military leader, Mohamed al-Julani.
