GCC Urges Syrians to Initiate National Dialogue, Calls for Lifting Sanctions
The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urged all factions and components of the Syrian people to unite efforts, prioritize national interest, hold onto national unity, and launch a comprehensive national dialogue to achieve their aspirations for security, stability, development, and prosperity, while advocating for the lifting of sanctions to enable economic recovery in Syria.
This call was part of the final statement from the 46th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council regarding the situations in Syria and Lebanon, held on Thursday, December 26, 2024, in Kuwait, chaired by Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, with the participation of Foreign Ministers from GCC countries and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi.
The Ministerial Council emphasized
“The importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the sister Arab Republic of Syria, rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs, combating terrorism and chaos, fighting extremism, incitement, and respecting diversity without offending others’ beliefs.”
It also expressed “support for all efforts aiming at a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability, development, and a dignified life,” stating that “Syria’s security and stability are fundamental pillars of regional security.”
The Council welcomed the steps taken to ensure civilian safety, cessation of bloodshed, national reconciliation, preservation of Syrian state institutions and capabilities, and decisions to disband militias and armed factions, emphasizing these as crucial for maintaining security and stability in Syria and restoring its regional role and international standing.
Furthermore
It welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s call for establishing a UN mission to assist and sponsor the transitional process in Syria, stressing adherence to UN Charter principles, including state sovereignty, non-interference, good neighborly relations, and peaceful dispute resolution to maintain regional and international peace and security.
The council endorsed the statement issued by Arab foreign ministers on December 14, 2024, in Aqaba, regarding supporting UN efforts to help Syrians lead their political process, aid refugees and internally displaced persons, and facilitate their voluntary and safe return based on international standards.
The GCC Ministerial Council condemned repeated Israeli attacks on Syria
Including the occupation of the buffer zone at the Syrian border, a flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, urging the international community to stop these aggressions and for Israel to withdraw from all occupied Syrian territories.
It also reaffirmed that “the Golan Heights is Syrian Arab land” and condemned Israel’s decisions to expand settlements in the occupied Golan, a serious violation of the UN Charter, international law principles, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
To empower Syria economically, the Council called for “the lifting of sanctions” and urged all partners, states, and concerned organizations to provide all means of support to the Syrian people, emphasizing “the GCC countries’ commitment to continue providing humanitarian aid.”
