The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies “stand ready to support a transition process that leads to credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance” in Syria, they said today, Reuters has reported.
The statement from the G7 pointed out that a political transition after the end of Bashar Al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule had to ensure “respect for the rule of law, universal human rights, including women’s rights, the protection of all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities, transparency and accountability.”
The group added: “The G7 will work with and fully support a future Syrian government that abides by those standards and results from that process.” The leaders also called on “all parties” to “preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity, and respect its independence and sovereignty.”
Israel, meanwhile, has carried out 350 air strikes in Syria since the weekend, and continues to have troops deep in Syrian territory near the occupied Golan Heights in an attempt to create a “sterile defensive area” beyond the existing demilitarised zone along the border with Syria. A UN expert has said that the Israeli air strikes are “entirely illegal” as they “were not preceded by any provocation” and thus “constitute a violation of the sovereignty of an independent state.”
READ: Trump says Syrians should manage own affairs, US won’t interfere
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