Doha: Qatari daily Al-Raya highlighted in its Saturday editorial Qatar's leading role in rallying Arab support for Syria at a pivotal juncture in the country's history, stressing that the Syrian people need sustained support as they undertake the formidable task of rebuilding their state, restoring its institutions and entrenching the rule of law. Such support, it said, is essential to laying the foundations for a future grounded in justice, equality and respect for the rights of all Syrians.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Raya noted that Qatar, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group at the United Nations, has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. It said the position reflects a conviction that, at this critical juncture, the new Syria needs support and assistance, not further interventions that could impede its path toward stability and recovery.
The newspaper stressed that Syria's recovery and the rebuilding of its national institutions are a shared Arab and regional interest. It noted the Arab Group's recognition of the steps taken by the Syrian Government to restore state authority across the country, advance transitional justice and accountability, address the plight of missing persons, and lay the groundwork for the safe return of refugees and displaced persons.
In this context, Al-Raya also highlighted the Arab Group's welcome of the United States' announcement that it would remove the Syrian Arab Republic from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, 47 years after Syria was placed on the list. The newspaper described the move as a positive development that could bolster stability, advance the political settlement process, and open broader prospects for economic recovery, reconstruction and Syria's reintegration into the international community.
At the same time, the newspaper warned that Syria's path to recovery continues to face serious challenges, foremost among them Israel's ongoing attacks on Syrian territory. Such attacks, it said, represent a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, while threatening to undermine efforts to rebuild state institutions and consolidate stability.
Al-Raya noted that the Arab position articulated by Qatar before the United Nations goes beyond reaffirming established political principles, reflecting instead a broader Arab responsibility toward Syria and its people at this pivotal stage.
The newspaper concluded that, through this position, Qatar is reaffirming that supporting Syria, preserving its unity and territorial integrity, and standing with its people as they build a stable and prosperous state founded on justice, equality and the rule of law represent not only a responsible Arab choice, but also a necessity for safeguarding Syria's future and strengthening the security and stability of the region.