Arab FMs stress necessity to support counter-terrorism efforts in Syria
By John Ahmad
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria stressed on Tuesday the necessity to support counter-terrorism efforts in Syria.
This came in meeting the group held in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria in addition to Arab League Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The group emphasized the necessity to eliminate all kinds of terrorism and support Syrian government in its integrity in addition to the elimination of the terrorist armed groups on the Syrian territory.
“The meeting reflects the seriousness of Arab countries in playing a major role in resolving the crisis in Syria and its dangerous repercussions, most notably terrorism, the production and smuggling of drugs, and the refugee crisis,” Aboul Gheit’s spokesman Jamal Rushdy said.
The Contact Group was founded on May 6 to follow up on the Arab involvement in resolving the Syrian crisis. It is comprised of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon in addition to the Arab League secretary general.
“We reiterate that commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, non-intervention in its domestic affairs, is the basis and priority to Syria’s relations and policy to deal with different issues related to the country,” Faisal Mikdad, Syria’s Minister of Foreign affairs and Expatriates said.
Mikdad called for combating all forms of terrorism until its full elimination as it poses a threat to Syria and other countries.
He added that the Arab fraternal role in supporting the Syrian people to overcome all war repercussions and end the Turkish occupation of Syrian lands is very necessary.
“We believe that the Turkish occupation does not pose a threat to Syria only, but it also threatens Arab national security and Arab interests in general, and therefore it is necessary to intensify efforts and take practical steps to put an end to it in line with our common interests, and the firm foundations of international law,” Mikdad noted.
The minister welcomed the return of all Syrian refugees to the country saying “it has taken a number of procedures and facilitations they need to return home.”