Nations urge stability as Syrian rebels oust Assad

World powers vowed Sunday to work for stability in Syria and the surrounding region after rebels toppled its longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

Here is a round-up of key reactions:

Stands by Syrian people: Saudi

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it stands by Syrian people and their choices at this "critical stage" after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled early in the day.

High alert: Russia

Assad's ally Moscow said Russian troops on their bases in Syria were on high alert but that there was "no serious threat" to them.

Prior to reports that Assad had fled, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Syria must not be allowed to fall into the hands of a "terrorist group".

'Russia not interested any longer': Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump attributed the fall of Assad to flagging Russian support.

"His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer."

US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said President Joe Biden would meet Sunday with his national security advisors over Syria.

'Return to stability': China

Beijing "is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible", the foreign ministry said.

'Friendly relations': Iran

Iran's foreign ministry said it expects "friendly" relations with Syria to continue.
It said it would adopt "appropriate approaches" towards Syria in accordance with the behaviour of "effective actors" in Damascus.

'Country in turmoil': Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country, which has supported rebel movements in Syria, was "ready to take responsibility for all that is necessary to heal Syria's wounds and guarantee its unity, integrity and security".

'Cautious hope': UN

The UN envoy for Syria called the rebel takeover "a watershed moment" for the country marred by nearly 14 years of civil war.

"Today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new (chapter) -- one of peace, reconciliation, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians," special envoy Geir Pedersen said.

UN war crimes investigators urged those taking charge to ensure the "atrocities" committed under Assad's regime are not repeated.

End to 'barbaric' state: France

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad's "barbaric state" in Syria.

"I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity," he wrote on X.

'Good news': Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the fall of Assad as "good news" and urged a political solution to stabilise the war-stricken country.

He said it was "essential that law and order be quickly re-established in Syria" and urged protection for all religious communities.

'Work together': UAE

A senior United Arab Emirates official urged Syrians to collaborate in order to avert a spiral into chaos.

"We hope that the Syrians will work together, that we don't just see another episode of impending chaos," presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

'Peace and stability': UK

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a peaceful and stable Syria, adding that its people had "suffered under Assad's barbaric regime for too long".

"Our focus is now on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored," Starmer said, calling for the protection of civilians and minorities.

'Long-awaited': EU

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen likewise said the EU would help to rebuild "a Syrian state that protects all minorities".

The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas meanwhile hailed Assad's fall as "a positive and long-awaited development" which "also shows the weakness of Assad's backers, Russia and Iran".

Don't rely on Putin: Ukraine

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga welcomed Assad's departure, saying that authoritarians who rely on support from Putin are destined to fall, while stressing Kyiv's support for Syria's people.

Independent Islamic government: Taliban

Afghanistan's Taliban government congratulated the Syrian people and rebels, hoping a transition would lead to "an independent and service-oriented Islamic government" and a Syria "free from external interference".

'Free will': Iraq

Iraq urged respect for the "free will of all Syrians and emphasises that the security, territorial integrity and independence of Syria are of paramount importance," government spokesman Basim Alawadi said in a statement.

Regional stability: Spain

Spain's foreign ministry said it supports a peaceful "political transition" in Syria that brings stability to the region.

Protect civilians: Ireland

Irish prime minister Simon Harris said the protection of civilians in Syria was "paramount" and urged a "peaceful transition as well as free and fair elections".