World reaction to end of Assad rule in Syria

(Reuters) -Following are reactions from around the world to events in Syria.

Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following a rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise.

U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

"President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," the White House said in a statement.

U.S. PENTAGON OFFICIAL DANIEL SHAPIRO

"The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain.

Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and respect international norms.

ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANTONIO TAJANI

"I am following with concerned attention the evolution of the situation in Syria. I am in constant contact with our embassy in Damascus and with the office of the Prime Minister. I have called an emergency meeting at 10:30 at the Foreign Ministry", Tajani said on X. 

U.N. SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA GEIR PEDERSEN 

Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen underscores the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians that stable and inclusive transitional arrangements are put in place, a statement said.

He urged all Syrians to prioritize dialogue, unity, and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights as they seek to rebuild their society, adding he stands ready to support the Syrian people in their journey toward a stable and inclusive future.

"Today marks a watershed moment in Syria’s history - a nation that has endured nearly 14 years of relentless suffering and unspeakable loss... This dark chapter has left deep scars, but today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one—one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians."

U.N. AID CHIEF TOM FLETCHER:

"Events in Syria moving at remarkable pace. More than decade of conflict has displaced millions. Now many more are in danger.

We will respond wherever, whenever, however we can to support people in need, including reception centres – food, water, fuel, tents, blankets".

BRITAIN'S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, ANGELA RAYNER

"Dictatorship and terrorism creates problems for the people of Syria who have faced so much already and also destabilises the region. That's why we have to have a political solution where the government is acting in the interests of the Syrian people. That's what we want to see."

"That's the type of democracy that we say is right for the world, and that, hopefully, is what the Syrian people will get.

"If Assad has gone, that's a welcome change, but what comes next has to be a political solution, and they have to be working in the interests of the Syrian people."

PHILIPPINES' DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Philippines calls on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and refrain from further violence, to avert further casualties and deaths of civilians.

We express concern regarding the situation of our Filipinos in Syria and advise them to take the necessary precautions and stay in contact with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus.

(Compiled by Reuters)