Middle East takes another big step towards peace

Saudi Arabia [UAE], May 8: The Arab League has agreed to reinstate Syria's membership after a 10-year suspension, a step closer to peace in the Middle East.
Foreign ministers from Arab League member states at a meeting on May 7 voted to restore Syria's membership after 10 years of suspension, Al Jazeera reported.
The decision was made ahead of the Arab League Summit in Saudi Arabia on May 19 and amid regional efforts to normalize relations with Damascus.
Syria's Arab League membership was revoked after President Bashar al-Assad was accused of cracking down on protesters in March 2011, plunging the country into a civil war that has killed nearly half a million people and left 23 million people had to be evacuated.
Before being restored to membership, Syria on May 7 called on Arab countries to show "mutual respect". The country's foreign ministry also stressed "the importance of cooperation and dialogue to address the challenges facing Arab countries".
Arab League Secretary General Ahmed AboulGheit also said on May 7 that Mr. al-Assad could attend the League summit later this month. "If he wants, because Syria, starting tonight, is a full member of the Arab League, and from tomorrow morning they have the right to sit anywhere," Gheit said.
However, Gheit added that returning Syria to the League does not mean normalizing relations between Arab countries and this country. "This is a sovereign decision for each country," he said, according to Reuters news agency.
Opposition groups have criticized the normalization of relations with Damascus, but the Arab bloc says it is the way to go. "We respect all opinions on this matter. We understand what the opposition is saying and we understand that they are in a difficult position," said Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League HossamZaki. with Al Jazeera.
The restoration of relations with Damascus has been accelerated by the deadly February 6 earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and the rebuilding of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have supported opposing sides in the conflict. Syria.
"There has been a growing understanding over the past few months, especially after the earthquake disaster, that there is no clear international attention to push for a solution in Syria," Zaki said.
He added that the Syrian crisis has had very negative effects. Neighboring countries and regions, especially Arab countries feel the need to address this situation.
Meanwhile, Qatar, which has previously opposed Syria's return to the Coalition, said its position on normalization has not changed and it hopes the regional consensus on Syria can be an impetus to move forward. Damascus government "addresses the root of the crisis", according to the state news agency QNA.
On the US side, the country's State Department said Washington shares the goals of its Arab partners in Syria, including building security and stability, but remains "sceptical about Mr. take the necessary steps to resolve the crisis," according to Reuters.
Russia, an ally of the Damascus government, has praised Syria's re-entry. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow welcomed the long-awaited step.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper