Safadi reviews situation in Syria with US special representative

AMMAN — Jordan will not bear the responsibility of meeting the needs of displaced Syrians within Syrian territories, seeing as that is the duty of the Syrian government and the UN, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Sunday in reference to occupants of the Rukban camp.

The minister added that the only solution to the camp near Jordan’s north-eastern border with Syria lies in the return of its residents to their hometowns, noting that the camp is Syria’s responsibility rather than Jordan’s, as aid from Damascus is now possible.

Safadi added that Jordan encourages the voluntary return of refugees, a Foreign Ministry statement said.  

The previous remarks were made during a meeting between Safadi and US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey.

Safadi and Jeffrey, who is visiting the Kingdom as a part of a regional tour, discussed the latest developments in the Syrian crisis, according to the Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi stressed the need for intensifying efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which preserves the unity of the Syrian territory and people and secures the voluntary return of refugees.

Talks also went over the effects of the influx of Syrian refugees, with Safadi outlining the Kingdom’s burdens of hosting some 1.3 million Syrians, and calling on the international community to continue upholding its responsibilities towards Syrian refugees.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in the war on terrorism, highlighting ongoing work within the framework of international alliances to defeat terrorist groups.

During the meeting, Jeffrey hailed the Kingdom’s humanitarian role towards Syrian refugees and maintaining regional security and stability.