Syria Starts Returning to Routine after Week of Turmoil, Regional States Monitor Developments

The Syrian governorates witnessed a full return to schools, universities and government departments, one week after the former President Bashar Assad left Syria on Sunday, December 8, 2024, and the armed opposition groups took control of the country.

The Commercial Bank branches also returned to work and began inventorying in order to feed the ATMs and put them into service.

It is also scheduled that Tartus seaport will return to work on Monday and Damascus airport on Wednesday, December 18.

Iran

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has directed Iran’s ambassador to Syria to closely monitor the developments in the Arab country to safeguard the Islamic Republic’s national interests and security.

Ambassador Hossein Akbari met with Araghchi at the Foreign Ministry in Tehran on Sunday. During the meeting, the ambassador provided an update on the latest developments in Syria, outlining the measures taken to ensure the safety and security of the Iranian embassy staff and diplomatic missions amidst the ongoing turmoil in the country.

Araghchi emphasized the necessity of closely monitoring the situation in Syria to protect Iran’s national interests and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

In a separate meeting, Araghchi also met Kazem Jalali, the Iranian ambassador to Russia, where he stressed the importance of ongoing consultations with Russia, especially on Syria.

Turkey

The new administration in Syria should be given a chance to govern following their constructive messages, and Turkey stands ready to provide military training if such help is requested, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said.

“We think that we need to see what the new administration will do and to give them a chance.”

When asked whether Turkey was considering military cooperation with the new Syrian government, Guler said Ankara already had military cooperation and training agreements with many countries.

Asked about Russia’s future involvement in Syria, Guler said he saw no sign of a complete Russian withdrawal.

Russia, he said, is moving its military assets from different parts of Syria to its two bases in the country – the Hmeimim air base at Latakia and a naval base in Tartous.

“I don’t think the Russians are going to leave (Syria). They’ll do everything they can to stay,” he said.

Source: Al-Manar English Website