Saudi Cabinet demands end to Syrian regime’s violence

King Salman chairs the Cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s deep concern over the Syrian regime’s continuing escalation of attacks on Eastern Ghouta and their impact on civilians, stressing that the regime must cease violence and allow access of humanitarian and relief assistance.
Chaired by King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace on Tuesday, the Cabinet said the Syrian regime must take seriously the track of the political solution to the Syrian crisis according to agreed principles represented in the Geneva Declaration and UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The Cabinet has thanked the king for patronizing the opening ceremony of the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum and inaugurating a Saudi aid platform, the first one in a region of this size, to present the Kingdom’s relief, humanitarian and developmental contributions.
The Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the king for his royal order approving the Ministry of Defense’s development program, as well as the royal order establishing the High Commission for Asir Region Development.
The king wished success to officials appointed by royal orders on Monday in serving their homeland and citizens, and he appreciated the officials who have performed their missions and responsibilities during their terms.
The Cabinet also echoed the Kingdom’s emphasis at the Ambassadors’ meeting of the Group of 77 and China in New York, USA, on the importance of serious cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals and their effectiveness in UN reforms. The Kingdom has provided nearly $125 million over the past three years through the UN, meeting its call to continue supporting relief funds, especially in fighting poverty.
The Kingdom’s statement at the international conference of the Countries of Africa’s Sahel Region, held in Brussels, was also referred to, particularly its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. The Cabinet cited its 100 million euros’ worth of support for the joint force to combat terrorism in the region, as well as its humanitarian aid to refugees through the Riyadh-based King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), and the developmental support to these countries through the Saudi Fund for Development.
Also praised were the contents of the “Jeddah Declaration” issued at the fourth session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Conference of Ministers of Labor with the participation of 56 Islamic countries, and regional and international organizations.
The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s condemnation of the terrorist bombing of two cars in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and the attacks in Kabul and Farah Province in Afghanistan, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the wounded and injured a speedy recovery.