Tackling Syrian chaos: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, EU to attend FOS in Tunis
Hameed Shaheen
ISLAMABAD - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France,
Egypt and 27-state powerful European Union have welcomed Tunisia's initiative to hold maiden Friend of Syria (FOS) meeting on February 24, 2012, in
Tunis, international reports said Friday.
Proposed initially by France and the Unitd States the FOS is considered a crucial counter move
emerging in the aftermath of Russian and Chinese vetos in the UN Security Council resolution calling for denouncement of Syria for ongoing violence
there. On Feb 12, 2012, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mr Rafiq Abdul Salem had told participants of the Arab League
summit in Cairo that his
country was ready to host Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis, an anouncement that had opened an alternative route to end Syrian chaos via international
friends, but outside of the UN.
Reports quote French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs asserting that it would "mobilize diplomatic
efforts to serve the Syrian cause". This brightens the chances of a diplomatic solution to the critical situation in Syria. Tunisia is also preparing
to set up direct contact with the Russian and Chinese to secure their participation in the FOS inaugural meeting on Feb 24.
Catherine Ashton,
EU foreign policy chief, has confirmed her intention to participate in the meeting as a representative of the international community. Qatar and Saudi
Arabia welcomed Tunisia's initiative, but l have not confirmed their participation, reports add. The US reaction is awaited.
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