Nations urge stability as Syrian opposition ousts al-Assad

Opposition forces toppled Syria’s longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive that a UN envoy called “a watershed moment” for the nation marred by civil war.

Here are key reactions from around the world:

Syria must not descend ‘into chaos’: Qatar

Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday warned Syria must not be allowed to slide into chaos after opposition forces declared they had taken Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

The Gulf emirate said it was “closely monitoring the developments in Syria” and emphasized “the necessity of preserving national institutions and the unity of the state to prevent it from descending into chaos.”

Qatar – which gave early support to the opposition forces after Assad’s government crushed a peaceful uprising in 2011, leading to the civil war – has remained a fierce critic of the Syrian leader.

“The ministry calls upon all parties to engage in dialogue to safeguard the lives of the citizens,” the statement said, voicing Qatar’s “unwavering support for the Syrian people and their choices.”

Jordan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II said on Sunday that his government “stands by its Syrian brothers and respects their will and choices,” after opposition forces toppled Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

According to a royal statement, the king told his National Security Council that there was a “need to protect Syria’s security, its citizens” and to work towards “stability and avoid any conflict that may lead to chaos.”

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for peace and stability in Syria after the fall of its president Bashar al-Assad in the face of an offensive.

“The Syrian people have suffered under al-Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said in a statement.

“Our focus is now on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored,” he added, calling for “civilians and minorities” to be protected.

‘Return to stability’: China

China’s foreign ministry said it hopes Syria “returns to stability as soon as possible” in the wake of the overthrow.

Beijing “is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible,” the foreign ministry said.

Egypt

Egypt has called on all parties in Syria to preserve the capabilities of the state and national institutions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Sunday.

The foreign ministry, in the first comments on the situation in Syria from an Arab government, said it was following the situation with great care, affirming its support for the Syrian people and the country’s sovereignty and unity.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Taliban government congratulated the Syrian people and opposition forces after they declared they had taken Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

“We express hope that the process of power transition be carried out in a manner aligned with the aspirations of the Syrian people, paving path for the establishment of an independent and service-oriented Islamic government,” a foreign ministry statement said, calling for Syria to be able to “move forward free from external interference.”

‘Time for unity’: France

Welcoming al-Assad’s ouster, France called on Syrians to “reject all forms of extremism.”

“While the (al-Assad) regime has never ceased to pit Syrians against each other, and Syria is fractured and fragmented, the time for unity has come,” foreign affairs minister spokesman Christophe Lemoine said, urging a peaceful political transition.

‘Full protection for minorities’: Germany

“The country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals, whatever form they take,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.

She urged “full protection for ethnic and religious minorities such as Kurds, Alawites or Christians” and political inclusivity.

‘Political dialogue’: Iran

Diplomats from al-Assad ally Iran were reported to have left the embassy in Damascus before it was attacked by “unknown individuals” on Sunday, Iranian state TV said.

Their departure followed calls by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday for “political dialogue” between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

‘Country in turmoil’: Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the overthrow of the al-Assad regime was not sudden but rather the result of the grinding civil war.

“Of course, this didn’t happen overnight. For the last 13 years, the country has been in turmoil,” Fidan said at conference in Doha.

‘Work together’: UAE

A senior United Arab Emirates official urged Syrians on Sunday to collaborate in order to avert a spiral into chaos.

“We hope that the Syrians will work together, that we don’t just see another episode of impending chaos,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

‘Cautious hope’: UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the end of Syria’s “dictatorial regime” and urged the country to rebuild after president Bashar al-Assad’s sudden fall.

“After 14 years of brutal war and the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future,” Guterres said in a statement.

“I reiterate my call for calm and avoiding violence at this sensitive time, while protecting the rights of all Syrians, without distinction.”

The UN envoy for Syria called the opposition takeover “a watershed moment” for the country marred by nearly 14 years of civil war.

“Today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new (chapter) – one of peace, reconciliation, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians,” special envoy Geir Pedersen said.

‘Russia not interested any longer’: Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump attributed the fall of Assad to losing the backing of Russia.

“Assad is gone,” he said on his Truth Social platform. “His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer.”

His comments followed an earlier statement from National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett that President Joe Biden was keeping a close eye on “extraordinary events” transpiring and remained in constant contact with regional partners.

‘Restore security’: Ukraine

“Al-Assad has fallen. This is how it has always been and will always be for dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him. The main goal now is to restore securityin Syria and effectively protect its people from violence.”