The ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government early Sunday brought a dramatic end to his nearly 14-year struggle to cling to power as his country was torn apart by a devastating Civil War.
In a 12-day blitzkrieg, rebel groups led by Life Tahrir al-Sham As they captured one city after another on their way from Aleppo towards the capital, Damascus, the Syrian Army offered little to no resistance and appeared to disappear.
Let’s see how they reacted world leaders and other international figures in the face of this unexpected event that could change not only the situation in Syria but also the power dynamics in the Middle East.
Spain
In the interview on ‘Channel 24 Horas’, the Minister Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel AlbaresHe assured that the government was monitoring the situation in Syria “very closely”.
Albares said, “We want a peaceful and stable Syria for the benefit of the Syrian people, which will bring stability to the Middle East. We will work for this with our European partners and in the region.”
Germany
In a televised speech, the Chancellor Olaf Scholz He said Assad “has tens of thousands of lives on his conscience” and accused him of causing a mass refugee exodus from Syria.
“Our thoughts today are all Victims of the Assad regimethe brutally murdered, the tortured, and the refugees. In recent years, the Syrian people have experienced an event. Terrible suffering under the Assad regime. “So the end of the Assad regime is good news for now,” he said.
France
President Emmanuel Macron said in a post about X that the Assad regime “barbarian state” and expressed relief at his fall. “I appreciate the Syrian people, their courage and patience. In this period of uncertainty, I extend my wishes for peace, freedom and unity. “France remains committed to the security of everyone in the Middle East,” he wrote.
Poland
Also prime in X Donald Tusk He said Assad’s fall was proof that Russia and its allies could be defeated. “Events in Syria have made the world aware once again, or at least shown that it needs to do so. The cruelest regime may fall“I believe that Russia and its allies can be defeated,” he said.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a written statement and said that the events in Syria in recent hours were “unprecedented”.
“Syrian people suffered under the barbaric Assad regime “It has been too long and we welcome his departure,” he wrote. “Our focus now is to ensure that a political solution prevails and peace is restored.” peace and stability“.
Holland
In a post about Prime Minister Dick Schoof He called Assad’s fall a “relief for all those suffering under his cruel dictatorship” peaceful transition Restoring stability while respecting all minorities in the country is of vital importance for Syria and the region. “We are following the developments closely.”
European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen published in X: “This historical change “There are opportunities in the region,” he warned, but “it is not without risks.”
“Europe is ready” Supporting the preservation of national unity and the reconstruction of a Syrian state that protects all minorities. “We are in contact with European and regional leaders and are following developments closely.”
And the head of EU Foreign Policy, Kaja KallaHe said the overthrow of the Assad regime was a “positive and long-awaited development.” “This also shows the weakness of the fans.” Assad, Russia and Iran. Our priority is to ensure the security of the region. “I will work with all constructive partners in Syria and the region,” he said in a statement published on X.
Türkiye
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan FidanHe said that the Syrian people “have begun a new day in which they will determine the future of the country.” In a post Healing Syria’s wounds and ensuring its unity, integrity and security“.
ADVERTAmerica
The President in his speech at the White House Joe Biden said: “The Assad regime has finally fallen”He called his downfall “an act of fundamental justice.” This is a historic moment of opportunity for the long-suffering Syrian people to build a better future for their proud country. It’s also a moment. risk and uncertainty“.
“The result of all this is that, for the first time in history, Neither Russia, Iran nor Hezbollah could defend this disgusting regime in Syria.. “This is the direct result of strikes in self-defense by Ukraine and Israel, with the unwavering support of the United States,” he said.
United Nations
Making a written statement, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, “dictatorial regimeHe called for rebuilding Syria and called for rebuilding the country. “After 14 years of brutal war and the collapse of the dictatorial regime, today the Syrian people can seize a historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future,” he said.
Israel
And in a video published on X, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu He spoke of “a historic day for the Middle East.”
ADVERT“The overthrow of the Assad regime and the tyranny in Damascus presents a great opportunity, but it is also fraught with concerns. significant dangers. We send a hand of peace to everyone beyond our border in Syria; to Druze, Kurds, Christians and Muslims “Those who want to live in peace with Israel.”
