DOHA: Ministers from Syria's transitional government arrived in Qatar on Sunday for their first visit to the Gulf state since the toppling of president Bashar al Assad last month. The interim foreign minister, Asaad al Shaibani, was accompanied by defence minister Morhaf Abu Kasra and the new head of intelligence, Anas Khattab.
In a statement, Qatar's foreign ministry said the Gulf country's premier met with Syria's delegates. Qatari Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani "reiterated the State of Qatar's position in support of Syria's unity, sovereignty and independence," the statement said.
Following discussions with Qatar's Minister of State, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al Khulaifi, Shaibani reiterated calls for the lifting of US sanctions on Syria. The interim foreign minister called the measures a "barrier and an obstacle to the rapid recovery" telling local media that his government "renewed our demand for the United States of America to lift these sanctions". At the end of December, Qatar also called for the quick removal of sanctions on Syria. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
