Hope & fear as world powers absorb Assad's stunning end in Syria

Beirut [Lebanon], December 9: United Nations "What is important is that we are able to find a situation where there is a political way out of this," Geir Pedersen, UN envoy to Syria, said. "And that political way needs to be very different from what it has been before, it needs to be a process that is inclusive of everyone, and where we really focus on the need for unity, stability, where Syria is able to restore its sovereignty and its territory. There are lots of wounds that need to be healed."
European Union
"The end of al-Assad's dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development. It also shows the weakness of al-Assad's backers, Russia and Iran," the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said in a post on X. She added that the bloc's priority was to "ensure security" in the region and pledged to work with "all the constructive partners" in Syria and more broadly across the area. "The process of rebuilding Syria will be long and complicated and all parties must be ready to engage constructively," she said.
United States
"President [Joe] Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," the White House said in a statement. Meanwhile, in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, President-elect Donald Trump said al-Assad had "fled his country" after losing the backing of Russia.
"Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer.
Russia
The Russian Foreign Ministry said al-Assad had resigned from the presidency after talks with the sides involved in the conflict and had left the country, without saying where he has gone. "As a result of talks between B. Assad and a range of participants of the conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he took the decision to resign from his presidential post and leave the country, giving instructions to proceed with the peaceful transfer of power," the ministry said. "Russia did not take part in these talks."
France
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the fall of al-Assad's "barbaric state" in Syria and sent wishes of peace to the people in the country. "The barbaric state has fallen. At last," Macron wrote on X. "I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity."
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the fall of al-Assad as "good news" and urged a political solution to stabilise for the war-stricken country."Bashar al-Assad oppressed his people brutally. He has countless lives on his conscience and has driven numerous people to flee, many of whom have arrived in Germany," Scholz said in a statement.
China
Beijing "is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible", the foreign ministry said in a statement. "The Chinese government has actively assisted Chinese citizens who are willing to leave Syria in a safe and orderly way, and has maintained contact with . Chinese citizens who remain in Syria," the ministry said. "We urge the relevant Syrian parties to take practical measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Syria," it added.
Egypt
Egypt has called on all parties in Syria to preserve the capabilities of the state and national institutions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. The country's foreign ministry said it was following the situation with great care, affirming its support for the Syrian people and the country's sovereignty and unity.
Iran
The foreign ministry said in statement Iran respects Syria's unity and national sovereignty and called for "the swift end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist actions, and the commencement of national dialogue" with all sectors of Syrian society. Tehran said it would continue to support international mechanisms for pursuing the political process, adding that longstanding and friendly relations between the Iranian and Syrian nations are expected to continue.
Italy
"I am following with concerned attention the evolution of the situation in Syria," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on X.
"I am in constant contact with our embassy in Damascus and with the office of the prime minister. I have called an emergency meeting," he added.
Lebanon
The Lebanese army said it was reinforcing its presence on the border with neighbouring Syria. "In light of rapid developments and delicate circumstances that the region is going through. units tasked with monitoring and controlling the northern and eastern borders have been reinforced, in conjunction with tightening surveillance measures," the army said in a statement.
Source: Qatar Tribune