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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi on Tuesday called for stepped up international efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that is acceptable to the Syrians and safeguards the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

He said as he welcomed Russian Special Presidential Envoy on Syrian Reconciliation Alexander Lavrentiev that such a solution should ensure the restoration of Syria's security and stability, lead to the departure of foreign forces from the country, defeat of terrorism and the proper conditions for the voluntary return of refugees to their country.

During the meeting with Lavrentiev, who is heading a high-level team from the Russian Foreign and Defence Ministries, Safadi stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination with Russia to ramp up efforts to end the Syrian crisis, stabilize the country and provide humanitarian aid to Syrians in their own areas, especially in the country's south.

He also stressed that the right conditions should be created for the secure and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and the continuation of international support of countries and communities hosting the refugees, particularly in light of the unprecedented humanitarian and medical situation imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Safadi also said that the Rukban camp for displaced Syrians on the northeastern border with Jordan is a United Nations-Syrian responsibility, and that finding a solution to the camp lies in the return of its inhabitants to "where they came from." He said any humanitarian or medical assistance that the camp needs should come from the Syrian interior.

The Deputy Premier said that Jordan has exceeded its capacity with regard to the refugees, noting that the Kingdom is host to about 1.5 million Syrians and provides them with every assistance and treats them as guest brothers until their return home, stressing that the refugees' issues is an international responsibility.

Safadi and the Russian delegation discussed developments in southern Syria, and explained the importance of cooperation with Russia to face the security and economic challenges there.

He warned against attempts by terrorist gangs to regroup and rebuild their capabilities southern Syria, stressing that Jordan will take all the necessary measures to protect its security and interests.

The meeting also dealt with efforts to hold the fourth round of the Constitutional Committee meetings, which Safadi called a key step on the path to finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis. He also urged support for UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen's efforts to press the Syrian parties to achieve progress in the political process.

Safadi and the Russian team also reviewed other regional developments, including the Palestinian cause, Iraq and Libya.

The Russian envoy stressed Jordan's key role and the efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah to resolve regional crises and achieve security and stability.