Egypt’s FM, Pedersen political settlement of Syrian crisis

CAIRO - 21 February 2022: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received a phone call from United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen, on Monday, to discuss developments on the Syrian arena, amid Arab diplomatic moves to reinstate Syria to the Arab League.

 

Pedersen briefed Minister Shoukry on the ongoing moves and contacts in an effort to move towards a political settlement of the Syrian crisis, expressing his appreciation for the Egyptian role in support of settlement efforts, said Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Hafez in a statement.

 

Shoukry affirmed Egypt's keenness to advance the political process in Syria and end the political stalemate in the Syrian scene, Hafez said. 

 

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs also stressed the need for a comprehensive settlement of the crisis to ensure that Syria extends its sovereignty over its entire national territory, in a manner that preserves the independence of its political decisions,” Hafez continued.

 

Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011 following the Syrian revolution against President Bashar al-Assad.

 

Early March 2021 at a ministerial meeting for Foreign Ministers of the Arab League, Shoukry called for re-thinking of Syrian membership of the Arab League.

 

Algeria, along with other Arab countries, are moving to convince all the 22 member states to restore Syria to the Arab League, holding consultations regarding Syria’s attendance at the upcoming Arab League Summit due to convene in Algeria after the holy month of Ramadan.