Process Of Syria's Reinstatement In Arab League Underway - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

Faizan Hashmi Published February 18, 2019 | 03:20 PM

The process of Syria's return to the League of Arab States (LAS) has already started as Damascus' reinstatement is long overdue, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Monda

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th February, 2019) The process of Syria's return to the League of Arab States (LAS) has already started as Damascus' reinstatement is long overdue, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Monday.

"In our opinion, the process of understanding this situation is proceeding. Some countries have taken concrete steps such the resumption of the embassies' work, the opening of embassies that were closed, the increase of the level of consular, political and diplomatic representation in the Arab capitals and Damascus. The issue of restoring Syria's participation in the activities of the League of Arab States is being discussed," Bogdanov told reporters.

The reinstatement of Syria in LAS would benefit both Syria and the members of the regional organization, the deputy foreign minister added.

The 22-nation Arab League suspended Syria's membership in 2011 after a war broke out in the country. Several member states then recalled their ambassadors from Syria. Last year, they began making steps to re-engage Damascus and reopen embassies in what is widely being perceived as an attempt to bring Syria back in.

Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates would welcome Syria's return to the Arab League, a source in Brussels told Sputnik earlier in February.