India advocates 'peaceful, inclusive Syrian-led political process'
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Rebel fighters stand on a tank, after rebels seized the capital and ousted President Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 9 (REUTERS)
New Delhi: India has called for all parties in Syria to focus on the nation’s unity and integrity following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Monday emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution as the turmoil in the Middle Eastern country escalates.
The MEA stated that they are closely monitoring the situation in Syria amid ongoing developments and highlighted the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country. It also called for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process that respects the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.
The statement noted the safety of Indian citizens in Syria, assuring that the Indian Embassy in Damascus is in continuous contact with the community to ensure their security.
This statement followed significant developments over the weekend, when opposition forces seized control of Damascus after a rapid offensive that led to the fall of major Syrian cities within days. On Sunday, opposition fighters appeared on state television to announce the collapse of the Assad regime.
Reports citing Russian officials indicated that al-Assad had fled Syria with his family and sought asylum in Moscow, marking a turning point in the nation’s protracted civil conflict.
In Damascus, celebrations erupted as civilians waved the "revolution flag," a symbol of Syria before the Assad family's rule. The opposition also released prisoners from Sednaya Prison near Damascus, which had been abandoned by security forces during their retreat.
Earlier, India had issued a travel advisory on Friday, warning its citizens against traveling to Syria and urging those already there to leave at the earliest opportunity.
The ongoing unrest has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reporting that more than 370,000 people have been displaced within the past week. With rebels pressing forward and government forces struggling to maintain control, the security situation continues to raise concerns about Syria’s future stability.
With IANS inputs
