Saudi FM: Assad’s departure would resolve refugee crisis

The overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in Syria would solve the refugee crisis, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said.

“Bashar’s hold of power and his repressive policies including the killings, displacement and human rights abuses have resulted in 12 million Syrian refugees at home and abroad. Assad must go whether through negotiations and a political solution, or by force of arms,” Al-Jubeir told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

The foreign minister said that once Al-Assad leaves power, Syria’s economy will be rebuilt and Syrian refugees will return to their homes.

When asked about the kingdom’s role in providing help to Syrian refugees, Al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia plays an important role in alleviating the suffering of Syrian refugees, adding that there are more than 700,000 Syrians in Saudi Arabia who have work permits and health insurance.

According to the minister, Saudi is the largest supporter of states that host Syrian refugees, including Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

“Saudi Arabia provides food, tents and all forms of financial and in-kind assistance to Syrian refugees and is ready to offer more.”

“We have provided $110 billion in aid to some 95 countries around the world. We supported countries affected by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, volcanoes and storms as well as to refugees and displaced persons affected by wars and political unrest,” Al-Jubeir said.

“Our current projects in the field of relief and refugee aid include digging wells and development, education and health. The kingdom is among the largest donors to international institutions working in the field of humanitarian action, such as the World Food Program, UNICEF and UNESCO.”