Syria latest: International community seeks stability after Assad overthrow

Several countries have vested interests in the future of
Syria, including President Assad’s allies, and say they are keen to play a role
in supporting a new government.

Russia, which has reportedly given Assad and his
family asylum in Moscow, has said that its military bases in the country are on “high alert” but an unnamed Kremlin source has told Russian media that their
safety has been guaranteed by the rebels. Moscow is calling for an emergency
meeting of the UN Security Council in order to discuss what happens next.

Iran, which also backed the Assad regime, has said
that it expects “friendly” relations with Syria to continue. In a statement, its
foreign ministry calls for “the initiation of national dialogue involving all
segments of Syrian society to establish an inclusive governance structure that
represents all Syrians”.

Turkey, which backs some of the rebel groups, says it
will “intensify” efforts to help secure Syria’s peaceful and stable future in
the coming days. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says that this includes looking
for a way to repatriate millions of Syrians who have fled during the civil war –
many of whom have ended up in Turkey.

US President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has said Syria is facing
a moment of “historic opportunity” but America is also worried about a possible power vacuum and has already struck what it
says are areas in eastern Syria where the Islamic State terror group is restoring
itself.

Other countries, including China, say they are watching
developments in Syria closely.