Greece has hailed the downfall of the Assad regime and hopes it will open the door to the return of the millions of Syrian refugees home, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

The ministry also calls for a speedy transition to a democratic, representative government and the protection of religious minorities and monuments.

The full statement:

“Greece welcomes the downfall of the authoritarian Assad regime in Syria. However, peace in the country must be immediately ensured, as well as an orderly transition to a democratically legitimized government, on the basis of Resolution 2254 by the (United Nations) Security Council. Greece supports Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Special provision should be made for the protection of all non-combatants, including religious minorities, as well as that of religious monuments and (Syria’s) rich cultural heritage. A return to democratic normalcy must put an and to migrant flows from the long-suffering country and open the way to the safe return of Syrian refugees to their homes. Greece, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, and with its strong ties with the Arab world, will contribute to the speediest possible restoration of peace and prosperity in Syria.”

Source: Ekathimerini.com