European Union leaders described the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria on Thursday as a "historic opportunity to reunify and rebuild the country" in the final statement of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels, Belgium.
The statement stressed the importance of a comprehensive political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
It added, "Syria's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected within secure borders in accordance with international law."
It stressed "the need to respect human rights, including women's rights, establish non-sectarian governance and protect members of religious and ethnic minorities, in addition to ensuring the protection of cultural heritage in Syria."
The statement also stressed the need for the return of Syrians to their country to be safe, voluntary and dignified.
It said, "The European Council stresses the importance of combating terrorism, preventing the resurgence of terrorist groups and destroying the remaining stockpile of chemical weapons in Syria, and in this context calls on the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union to present options on measures to support Syria."
On December 8, Syrian factions took control of the capital Damascus with the withdrawal of regime forces, and Bashar al-Assad fled with his family to Russia, which granted him “humanitarian asylum,” ending 61 years of Baath Party rule and 53 years of Assad family rule.
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