The leaders of the G7, of which Italy holds the rotating presidency, are ready to support a transition process in Syria that will lead to a credible, inclusive, and non-dogmatic government, they said in a statement today.

The G7 noted that the political transition following the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for 24 years, must guarantee “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 cooperate with and fully support a future Syrian government that complies with these standards and emerges from this process, the statement stressed.

Moreover, the leaders of the G7 called on“all sides” to “preserve the territorial integrity and national unity of Syria and respect its independence and sovereignty.”

The statement reiterated support for the UN Disengagement Force (UNDOF).

The G7 also stresses the importance of holding the regime of Bashar Assad accountable for its crimes and makes clear that it will continue to work with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other partners to secure and destroy the remaining chemical weapons in Syria.