Safadi, UN Special Envoy to Syria meet over political solution to crisis

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen on Wednesday met over means to reach a political solution for the Syrian Crisis.

Pedersen acquainted Safadi with UN-led efforts to resolve the crisis, as well as the outcomes of the talks being held in Syria.

During the Amman-held meeting, Safadi stressed Kingdom's support for the envoy's efforts towards reaching a political solution in Syria in accordance with UN Resolution 2254, and the "step by step, step for step" principle, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

He also stressed the need to intensify efforts to achieve "practical and tangible progress" towards reaching an end to the "catastrophic situation in Syria", and realising a political solution that is accepted by the Syrian people that maintains Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, uproots terrorism and restores peace and stability, as well as ends foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, and creates a environment conducive to the voluntary return of refugees. 

"It is not possible to co-exist with the current situation in Syria, especially in light of what it breeds in suffering to the Syrian people and the negative repercussions on the region, most notably neighbouring countries," Safadi noted.

The top diplomat also briefed Pedersen on Jordan's proposal which stresses the importance of a collective Arab role to resolve the Syrian Crisis and all of its repercussions, as well as facing all humanitarian, political, security and economic challenges imposed as a result of the crisis.

Talks also focused on the pressure that the Kingdom is facing as a result of hosting refugees. The foreign minister also highlighted the need to resume international support for refugees and host communities to ensure decent living standards and meet their needs.

The refugees issue is an international responsibility, and not merely a responsibility for only the host communities, Safadi stressed.

Safadi and Pedersen also discussed the situation in southern Syria and the drug trafficking issues. Safadi stressed that the Kingdom is taking all necessary measures to combat the threat of drug smuggling, and will do anything necessary to secure its borders and interests.

Talks during the meeting also focused on continued consultations and joint coordination.