Bahrain hails ceasefire in Syria

Manama : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the cease-fire in Syria, a major breakthrough after six years of civil war. 

“The cessation of hostilities is a significant step towards a political settlement to the Syrian crisis,” the ministry said hoping that all sides would observe the cease-fire to ensure a transition to a political settlement.

The Ministry called for concerted international efforts and cooperation to end the crisis and reach a peaceful political solution on the basis of the first Geneva Conference. 

It also sought to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and strong institutions and ensure security, stability and prosperity for the brotherly Syrian people. 

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also welcomed the truce brokered by Russia and Turkey, the first GCC countries to welcome the deal. Hailing the peace deal Saudi Arabia said that it hoped the accord would lead to a resumption of peace talks to end war in the country.

Saudi news agency SPA quoted a foreign ministry official as saying that Riyadh was monitoring how the ceasefire deal reached last week was being implemented.

“It expressed its welcome for the ceasefire agreement which would ease the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Syrian people,” SPA said, quoting the official.

Qatar also welcomed the ceasefire, according to QNA. It said the ministry “expressed hope that the implementation of the deal would contribute to reaching a comprehensive and permanent political settlement to end the Syrian crisis.”