Amman, Moscow urge peaceful solutions to Syria, Mideast

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Saturday reasserted that there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis, highlighting the importance of a political solution accepted by all Syrians, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During a meeting in Moscow, the two ministers stressed the importance of boosting bilateral relations and the importance of moving towards implementing the two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that ensures the freedom and independence of Palestinians and Israel’s security. 

Safadi said that Jordan is looking forward to a political solution in Syria that guarantees the northern neighbour’s integrity and sovereignty as well as protection against terror groups and sectarian militias, deeming the suspension of fighting on all Syrian fronts a priority.

Every effort should be exerted for that purpose as a step towards the envisioned political solution based on the Geneva I outcomes and UN Security Council Resolution 2254, Safadi added.

The foreign minister highlighted the importance of the Astana talks, in which Jordan is participating as an observer, to reach a comprehensive agreement to implement ceasefire and pave the way to a political agreement within the framework of Geneva negotiations. 

Safadi said a solution to the Palestinian cause is a prerequisite to regional security and stability, noting that peace that ensures the right for Palestinians to an independent state within the July 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital is an Arab strategic option that was confirmed in the Amman summit in March. 

The pan-Arab summit revived the Arab Peace Initiative, which is the most comprehensive narrative to achieve perpetual peace, Safadi added.

The two officials also stressed the importance of joining ranks to eradicate terrorism. 

Meanwhile, they discussed steps to boost economic cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, education and infrastructure.

For his part, Lavrov commended the Kingdom’s role to achieve peace and stability in the region and in combating terrorism.