French foreign minister meets with Syrian civil society, calls for respecting Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity

By Nur Asena Erturk

The French foreign minister met with representatives of the Syrian civil society and called for respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to an official statement on Thursday.

French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had a meeting with Bedir Camus, the head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, and representatives of the Syrian civil society on Wednesday, the ministry statement said.

They voiced their commitment in favor of a peaceful political transition compatible with UN Resolution 2254 and stressed the importance of preserving state institutions, as well as “Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Barrot and his Syrian interlocutors voiced concerns regarding the risks of fragmentation, destabilization, and terrorism in the country, and Barrot called on all Syrians including those relocated abroad to take part in the transition process, according to the statement.

Representatives of the Syrian opposition and the civil society thanked France for its efforts since 2011.

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