World leaders including the outgoing and the incoming US Presidents are keeping their ears to the ground on dramatic developments in Syria following President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster.
While the Germans minced no words in describing Assad’s exit as huge relief for millions of people in Syria, the British called it a welcome Change.
And the Italians called an emergency meeting after Syrian rebels declared President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, on a super eventful Sunday.
Reactions of world leaders began to come after the rebels seized control of Damascus.
The rebels forced him to flee and ended his family’s decades of rule after more than 13 years of civil war in a seismic moment for the Middle East.
Following are reactions from around the world to events in Syria.
U.S. President Joe Biden
The Americans are among the world leaders who are keeping a close watch on the developments in Syria.
“President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners,” the White House stated.
U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump
“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success.”
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
Apart from world leaders, ministers, diplomats and senior UN officials have also reacted to the situation in Syria.
Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Jaishankar said that there are challenges from Gaza to Lebanon to Syria.
German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock
“”It is impossible to say exactly what is happening in Syria
now.”
Baerbock added, “But one thing is clear: for millions of people in Syria, the end of Assad means the first big sigh of relief after an eternity of atrocities committed by the Assad regime.”
Assad Must Be Held Accoutable
“Assad has murdered, tortured and used poison gas against his own people. He must finally be held accountable for this.
“The country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals – regardless of the guise.”
“We therefore call on the parties to the conflict to live up to their responsibility for all Syrians,” she said.
This includes the comprehensive protection of ethnic and religious minorities such as Kurds, Alawites or Christians and an inclusive political process that creates a balance between the groups.”
Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner
“Dictatorship and terrorism create problems for the people of Syria who have faced so much already and also destabilises the region.”
“That’s why we have to have a political solution where the government is acting in the interests of the Syrian people. That’s what we want to see.”
“That’s the type of democracy that we say is right for the world, and that, hopefully, is what the Syrian people will get,” Angela added.
A Welcome Change
“If Assad has gone, that’s a welcome change, but what comes next has to be a political solution, and they have to be working in the interests of the Syrian people.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
Macron is among the first world leaders to have tried to cheer the Syrians.
In a post on X, the French President said, ” The barbaric State has fallen, at last.”
He added, ” France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East.”
Macron paid tribute to the Syrian people for their courage and patience in this moment of uncertainty.
” I send them my wishes for peace, freedom and unity.”
Russian Foreign Ministry
The ministry stated, “Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left office and departed the country after giving orders there be a peaceful handover of power.”
The ministry did not comment on Assad’s whereabouts.
It said that Russia has not taken part in the talks around his departure.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that it has put Russia’s military based in Syria on a state of high alert, but that there was no serious threat to them at the current time.
Moscow is in touch with all Syrian opposition groups and urges all sides to refrain from violence.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape the future of their own country, today there is hope, Fidan said in a Press conference in Doha.
The Syrian people cannot do this alone.
Turkey attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity.
A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively, there should be no desire for revenge.
Turkey calls on all actors to act with prudence and to be watchful.
Terrorist organizations must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation.
Opposition groups must be united.
Turkey To Work For Stability In Syria
We will work for stability and safety in Syria.
The new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbours, it should eliminate threats.
Any extension of the outlawed PKK militia cannot be considered a legitimate counterpart in Syria.
Russian Lawmaker, Konstantin Kosachyov
Syrians will have to cope with a full-scale civil war alone, deputy chairman of Russia’s upper house of parliament Konstantin Kosachyov said, the Interfax news agency reported.
U.S. Pentagon Official Daniel Shapiro
“The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro said.
He made this statement at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain.
Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and respect international norms.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
“I am following with concerned attention the evolution of the situation in Syria.”
Tajani said that he is in constant contact with the Italian embassy in Damascus and with the office of the Prime Minister.
“I have called an emergency meeting at 10:30 at the Foreign Ministry”, Tajani said on X.
U.N. Special Envoy For Syria, Geir Pedersen
Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen underscored the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians that stable and inclusive transitional arrangements are put in place.
He urged all Syrians to prioritize dialogue, unity, and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights as they seek to rebuild their society.
Pedersen said that he stands ready to support the Syrian people in their journey toward a stable and inclusive future.
A Watershed Moment In Syria’s History
“Today marks a watershed moment in Syria’s history – a nation that has endured nearly 14 years of relentless suffering and unspeakable loss… ”
Pedersen said that this dark chapter has left deep scars.
“But today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one—one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians.”
U.N. AID Chief Tom Fletcher
“Events in Syria moving at remarkable pace. More than decade of conflict has displaced millions. Now many more are in danger.
We will respond wherever, whenever, however we can to support people in need, including reception centres – food, water, fuel, tents, blankets”
