It is hard to know exactly what the situation is in Syria. However, it is clear that the end of Assad means millions of people in Syria can breathe easy again after an age of atrocities by the Assad regime.

Several hundred thousand Syrians were killed in the civil war, millions fled the country. Assad committed murder, torture and used poison gas against his own people. He must be finally held to account for these actions.

The people of Syria deserve a better future. What they have endured has been terrible. An entire generation has grown up at constant risk of forced migration, experiencing war, need and humanitarian neglect.

The country must not fall into the hands of other radicals now – no matter in what guise. We thus call upon the conflicting parties to fulfil their responsibility for all Syrians. This includes providing comprehensive protection for ethnic and religious minorities, such as Kurds, Alawites and Christians, as well as engaging in an inclusive political process that strikes a balance between the different groups. If the central actors in Syria and beyond now finally work for the good of the people, the country can embark on its journey to peace, a long-awaited and yet extremely difficult journey. UN Security Council Resolution 2254 lays a foundation here.

A call also extends to the international community so that Syria can finally find a way out of the cycle of war and violence. We are working closely to this end with the UN, our partners in the EU and the Quad, as well as with regional actors and Syria’s neighbouring countries, such as Turkey and Jordan.“