In historic step, Syria, Saudi Arabia resume diplomatic work
Unconfirmed reports indicate Syrian opposition offices in Saudi Arabia have also been closed
By
News Desk
– May 10 2023
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(Photo Credit AFP)
The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced on 10 May that Damascus has decided to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia, Russia’s Sputnik reported.
A source in the foreign ministry explained that the decision resulted from the deep ties and common belonging of the peoples of the two countries, and its belief in the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Arab countries.
Earlier today, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced the resumption of the work of its diplomatic mission in Damascus.
The foreign ministry explained that the decision was based on an Arab League decision on 8 May to readmit Syria to the group after 12 years. A resolution marking the decision was issued following the ministerial meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Arab States.
Saudi officials also pointed out that the decision reflects its keenness to enhance security and stability in the region and to “develop joint Arab action.”
Saudi Arabia will host the Arab League’s next summit on May 19.
Three weeks ago, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met in Damascus with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the first such visit since US, Saudi, and Qatari planners launched a covert war against Syria in 2011, which left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced, both within the country and abroad as refugees.
Saudi Arabia was a lynchpin in the US effort to topple the Syrian government. The CIA relied heavily on Saudi intelligence, led by Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan, to finance and direct covert operations in the country. Saudi officials acknowledged supporting various groups fighting the Syrian government, including ISIS.
The Syrian National Coalition, the main opposition alliance representing the foreign-backed Salafist armed groups that battled the Syrian army, said the decision to re-admit Syria to the Arab League meant “abandoning” Syrians and leaving them “without official Arab support.”
The National Coalition statement followed unconfirmed reports that Saudi Arabia has closed the offices of the Syrian opposition in the country and informed opposition officials they must either refrain from engaging in political activity or leave the country.
However, several Arab states, most notably Qatar, have so far refused to normalize relations with Syria.
Qatar was a strong backer of the Al-Qaeda affiliated armed group, the Nusra Front, during the war.
The United States and Britain said they also remain opposed to re-establishing relations with Syria.
“And our position is clear: We are not going to be in the business of normalizing relations with Assad and with that regime,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, speaking alongside Blinken, said London was “very uncomfortable” with the Arab League decision.
