CAIRO: Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal yesterday said there should be a serious international commitment to put a quick end to the escalating humanitarian tragedy in Syria and pave the way to remove the tyranny of an unjust regime.
The Saudi minister was addressing the Second Arab-European Ministerial Meeting and said such a commitment was essential to begin the process of the transfer of power on the basis of a clear and explicit resolution by the Security Council of the United Nations.
Prince Saud said he looked forward to more European efforts in the direction of unifying international will to tackle the Syrian crisis and provide the necessary support at a political, security and humanitarian level under a common position to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations.
He welcomed the formation of the National Coalition for the Forces of the Syrian Revolution and Opposition and expressed the Kingdom’s hope that the coalition, being the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, would represent all opposition groups inside and outside the country.
He addressed Iran’s controversial nuclear program saying the Kingdom supports efforts to resolve the crisis through diplomacy and meet the Iranian challenge, which constitutes a clear threat not only to the security and stability of the Gulf but to international security.
Prince Saud emphasized the importance of Arab-European dialogue to deal with major issues of common concern and strengthen cooperation in various sectors. He reiterated the Kingdom’s support to cultural and interfaith dialogue.
He said the King Abdullah International Center for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue in Vienna would be officially opened on Nov. 26, and expressed the hope it would play a big role in promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence among nations.
Catherine Ashton, EU Foreign Policy chief, addressed the opening session at the League, welcomed the Doha agreement but warned of a spillover from the conflict.
“I want to welcome the work done in Doha to build and bring together the opposition, to be inclusive of the people in Syria, to be determined in the offer they make to the people,” said Ashton.
“But the tragedy of Syria is a tragedy that affects not just that country but the whole region,” she added.
