How world leaders reacted to the fall of Syrian President Bashar-al-Assad

As Syrian rebels announced the end of the 24-year rule of the Alawite dynasty's President Bashar al-Assad, world leaders have mixed reactions to the end of his rule. 

United States

US President Joe Biden said that his team are closely monitoring the 'extraordinary events' in Syria and is staying in constant touch with regional partners, the White House said in a statement. 

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While US President-elect Donald Trump said, "Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer," Trump posted on Truth Social. 

"Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success," he added. 

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While Syrian rebels encircled Damascus on Saturday, Trump said that the US should not involve itself in the conflict. "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT," he said. 

Turkey

Foreign minister Hakan Fidan said that Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape the future of their own country, today there is hope. 

Fidan extended Turkey's support and said a new Syrian administration must be established inclusively, there should be no desire for revenge. "Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and safety in Syria," he said. 

The new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbours, he added. 

Turkey was one of the main backers of the rebels.

Russia

Deputy chairman of Russia's upper house of parliament Konstantin Kosachyov said Syrians will have to cope with a full-scale civil war alone. 

Germany

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said that the end of Assad’s rule means the first big sigh of relief for Syrians. "Assad has murdered, tortured and used poison gas against his own people. He must finally be held accountable for this."

The country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals - regardless of the guise. We therefore call on the parties to the conflict to live up to their responsibility for all Syrians, she added. 

Italy

Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani said, "I am following up with concern about the evolution of the situation in Syria. I am in constant contact with our embassy in Damascus and with the office of the Prime Minister. I have called an emergency meeting at 10:30 at the Foreign Ministry.” 

France

France welcomed the news of the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and called for fighting to end and a peaceful political transition in the country. "Now is the time for unity in Syria," the foreign ministry said.

Spain 

Foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said, "The situation appears to be peaceful. Spain has always hoped for a peaceful solution for Syria.”

United Kingdom

UK’s Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said, "Dictatorship and terrorism create problems for the people of Syria who have faced so much already and also destabilise the region. That's why we have to have a political solution where the government is acting in the interests of the Syrian people. That's what we want to see."