US, GCC reaffirm commitment to political solution in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed on Wednesday their commitment to reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis in agreement with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2254.
The statement came following a meeting between US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states, and the GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi in New York on Sep. 18.
“The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to reaching an inclusive political solution to the Syrian crisis in a manner that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty, meets the aspirations of its people, is consistent with international humanitarian law, and is in line with resolution 2254,” the statement said.
The statement also added “The Ministers welcomed Arab efforts to resolve the crisis in a step-for-step manner, consistent with UNSCR 2254.”
The ministers stressed their support for US and US-led Global Coalition forces in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and denounced all actions that threaten their safety.
Both parties reiterated “the need to create secure conditions for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons consistent with UN standards,” and also called for a nationwide ceasefire.
They also demanded that humanitarian aid should safely reach all Syrians in need without any hindering, “through all modalities including cross-border and crossline.”
On June 7, Blinken and GCC Foreign Ministers stressed during a ministerial meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the need to reaching a political solution for the Syrian crisis.