EU, Arab League Agree to Rebuild Syria After Political Settlement in Country

The European Union and the Arab League have agreed to take part in rebuilding post-civil war Syria once a political transition begins in the country, the two regional blocs' foreign ministers said.


The fourth ministerial meeting between the League of Arab States and the European Union took place on Tuesday in Cairo. The Arab side was led by Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui, while European ministers were led by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

 "The Ministers finally expressed their commitment to support the reconstruction of Syria only once an inclusive political transition is firmly underway, in order to support the safe return of the millions of Syrian people who have fled their home," the ministers said in a joint declaration after the meeting on Tuesday.

The statement also said the ministers were concerned with the situation in Aleppo and condemned the recent recapture of the city by Syrian government forces calling the offensive an "indiscriminate attack."

 The joint statement called for humanitarian access to besieged areas in Aleppo and the rest of Syria, as well the immediate cessation of hostilities throughout the country.

During the ministerial meeting, the sides also discussed counter-terrorism, illegal migration, international crime as well as the conflicts in Libya, Yemen and Iraq.
[sputniknews.com]
21/12/16
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