The GCC observers together with 22 observers from Iraq will join the Arab League delegation in Syria later this week within the framework of the Arab League Peace Plan, which seeks to restore peace and security in that country.
“The observers will be well-equipped to carry out their mission with firm determination and trust at a critical time, when political organizations stand divided on the role of the Arab League mission itself,” said an official of the GCC General Secretariat here Sunday.
“The total number of observers to be sent by Saudi Arabia is not yet known,” said Osama Nugali, a spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said that the Saudi government, however, was working closely with all parties in the Arab mission.
Referring to the safety and security of the observers from Gulf countries, the GCC official said “the monitors would be allowed to move freely in Syria and the Syrian authorities would be responsible for their safety.”
The observers are tasked with ensuring that the Syrian government abides by its commitments agreed in the Arab Peace Plan, including removing its security forces and heavy weapons from urban streets, starting talks with opposition leaders and allowing human rights workers and journalists into the country.
Asked about reports that Saudi Arabia may shut its embassy in Damascus due to the ruling regime's unrelenting and violent repression of protesters, Nugali said, “The Saudi Embassy is functioning in Damascus at the moment, rendering all essential services.”
He cautioned that “any move to keep open the embassy and render services or to close it eventually will depend on the future situation in that country.”
Many embassies, including the US Embassy, have already pulled out some of their staff due to the deteriorating security situation in the country. After reducing its diplomatic staff to a minimum, Saudi Arabia has taken all necessary measures to protect its mission and its citizens in Syria. To this end, it is important to note that the Kingdom recalled its ambassador to Damascus on Aug. 8 and urged its citizens to leave the country because of repression and bloodshed in the country.
Syria came under pressure in August last year from a widening clamor of criticism by Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, recalling their ambassadors and issuing statements calling on President Bashar Assad to change his ways.
