Syrian issue challenging for region: Shaikh Khalid

The situation in Syria is the most challenging for countries in the region and the crisis is not limited to these countries in terms of its aftermaths, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Speaking in the Plenary Session at the Manama Dialogue entitled “American Policies and Regional Security,” Shaikh Khalid said that the key challenge in Syria was not merely the existence of terrorist groups but the loss of unity among the Syrians.

According to him, a vacuum was created in Syria after 2011 that allowed terrorist groups like Daesh to establish strongholds and use those territories as a launching pad outside Syrian borders. “This vacuum was filled not only by terrorist organisations, but also by regional states seeking their own hegemonic aims.”

The Minister stressed that the solution in Syria must be based on returning the Syrians to a state of unity as soon as possible. “The best way to achieve this is through the process outlined in the Geneva I peace conference. World powers along with regional states must work to set up a transitional governing body that preserves the civilian and military state institutions and includes all relevant Syrian groups, this can then pave the way for Syrians to decide the future of their country,” he suggested.

Shaikh Khalid reiterated the commitment of the Kingdom of Bahrain by working with other countries to strengthen security and peace in the region.

The Minister alleged that Iran had provided sanctuary and financial support for those charged with conducting terrorist acts in Bahrain.

“It hosted Bahraini citizens in IRGC training camps. Iran has also conducted smuggling operations to bring in explosives and weapons,” the Minister elaborated.

Commenting on improving ties with Iran, Shaikh Khalid said the matter was pending on the behaviour of Iran and its commitment to good neighbourly relations as well as non-interference in the Kingdom’s internal affairs.

On Yemen issue, the Minister said that the GCC was committed to continue its strategic role for the return of security and stability to Yemen. He pointed out that the GCC military intervention in Yemen would last until peace returned to Yemen.

Caption : Shaikh Khalid addresses the gathering

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Manama