G7: Ready to support the Syrian government in an inclusive and non-sectarian transition

The G7 leaders said they were ready to support the Syrian government in its transition to an inclusive and non-sectarian direction.

In a statement Thursday, leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations called on the Syrian government to protect human rights, including those of women and minorities, AFP reported. "The Assad regime must be held accountable for its crimes," the statement said.

The Syrian Ahrar al-Sham and other opposition forces overthrew the Assad regime, Assad fled with his family, and Syria entered a three-month transition period.

"After decades of atrocities committed by the Assad regime, we stand with the Syrian people," the G7 leaders said. They urged potential leaders of Syria's new government to "prevent the collapse of state institutions" and ensure that all those forced to flee Syria can return home in safety and dignity.

The statement also reiterated the G7's "full support for an inclusive Syrian-led and owned political transition process in the spirit of the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 of 2015."

"We stand ready to support the transition process under this framework to achieve credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance that ensures respect for the rule of law, universal human rights, including women's rights, the protection of all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities, transparency and accountability."

"The G7 will work with and give its full support to a future Syrian government that complies with these standards and the outcome of the process," the statement stressed.

G7 leaders are scheduled to hold an online meeting on Friday, calling on all parties to safeguard Syria's territorial integrity and national unity, and respect Syria's independence and sovereignty.

Several countries have expressed concern about the political situation in Syria after a lightning offensive by rebel forces. The United States also wants an inclusive and non-sectarian transition in Syria that guarantees basic human rights.

With the end of military operations by the opposition, diplomatic missions of many countries in Syria have reopened one after another.

The transitional government's political Affairs ministry issued a statement Thursday thanking Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman and Italy for resuming their diplomatic missions in Damascus.

The Qatari authorities said earlier that they would soon reopen their embassy in Damascus to strengthen the historic "close and brotherly relations" between the two countries.