Damascus, Sept 16 (Petra) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani, and U.S. Ambassador to Turkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack took part in a trilateral meeting that approved a joint plan to resolve the crisis in Sweida province on the basis of safeguarding Syria’s unity through practical steps to rebuild trust, ensure the province’s security, and protect the rights of its citizens.
The meeting followed earlier talks hosted in Amman on July 19 and August 12 aimed at consolidating a ceasefire in Sweida, in southern Syria, and finding a way to end the crisis there.
Safadi, Shibani and Barrack signed a "roadmap to end the Sweida crisis and stabilize southern Syria" after the meeting.
In a joint press conference with Shibani and Barrack, Safadi underlined the importance of the meeting and its outcomes, achieved through joint efforts by Jordan, Syria and the United States to bring the Sweida crisis to an end.
Safadi said Jordan firmly supports Syria in reconstruction efforts that guarantee its security, unity, stability, sovereignty and the safety of all its citizens. "This is a constant principle that we have translated into practical cooperation from day one, and we continue with clarity," he said.
He stressed that Syria’s unity and stability are a cornerstone for regional security and stability. "The security of southern Syria is an extension of our security in Jordan," Safadi said, adding that reconciliation in the south must be built on foundations that preserve Syria’s sovereignty and the safety of its people.
Safadi said the tragic events in Sweida must be overcome within the framework of a united Syria. He said the plan included measures such as a UN investigation and accountability for perpetrators of atrocities, restoring basic services, and bringing in humanitarian aid. He rejected any outside interference in Syria, "particularly in the south, because that is also a threat to us." He also condemned Israeli attacks on Syria and on southern Syria, describing them as attempts to destabilize the country.
Safadi said Jordan is working in full coordination with Syria to help it rebuild after years of destruction and suffering. The approved plan includes a joint Syrian-Jordanian-U.S. mechanism to ensure its implementation. "We trust our brothers will take all steps that rebuild confidence, overcome the catastrophe, and set Syria on the path of a secure and stable future that guarantees the interests of us all in the region," he said.
He reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any separatist or partition schemes in Syria, warning that Israel is the only party pursuing such projects because it does not want Syria to be stable or to rebuild.
Safadi said Israel’s security must come through respecting the security and stability of others, and that the Emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha had reaffirmed that Arab states seek a just peace based on a two-state solution.
He added that Jordan has always stood with Syria’s security and stability. "His Majesty the King has been clear since day one that Jordan’s support for Syria’s stability and security is a principled and constant position," he said.
Shibani said Syria had drawn up a clear roadmap to secure rights, strengthen justice, build confidence and promote societal reconciliation, opening the way to heal wounds. He said the plan, supported by Jordan and the U.S., includes the return of displaced persons, housing for employees, restoring services and reactivating institutions in Sweida.
"This is not for the benefit of one side over another but for all of Syria and the good of all its people," Shibani said, noting that Syria welcomed international assistance to complement national efforts.
Barrack said the United States is committed to assisting and supporting Syria, describing the government’s steps as historic. He praised Jordan’s efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in Sweida and said Washington’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria would help provide important resources for reconstruction.
//Petra// AF
