NATO chief hopes for peaceful power transition in Syria after Assad regime's fall

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has voiced cautious optimism following developments in Syria, calling for a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive, Syrian-led political process.

“This is a moment of joy but also uncertainty for the people of Syria and the region. We hope for a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive Syrian-led political process,” Rutte said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Rutte also emphasized the need for Syrian opposition leaders to uphold the rule of law, protect civilians, and respect religious minorities during the transition.

He criticized Russia and Iran, the primary backers of Bashar al-Assad’s fallen regime, for their roles in the conflict and said they abandoned Assad once he no longer served their interests.

Rutte added that Moscow and Teheran shared responsibility for crimes committed against the Syrian people.

Notably, Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus in the early hours of December 8, signalling the collapse of the Baath Party regime, which had been in power in Syria since 1963.

Notably, according to Russian state media, Assad was granted asylum by Russia on humanitarian grounds in Moscow.

The decision to grant asylum to Assad and his family was made personally by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

By Khagan Isayev