RIYADH: Saudi Arabia called for efforts to prevent Syria from falling into disarray after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.
"The kingdom affirms its support for the brotherly Syrian people and their choice," the Saudi foreign ministry said, appealing for "concerted efforts to preserve the unity of Syria and the cohesion of its people, so as to prevent it falling into chaos and division".
"The time has come for the Syrian people to enjoy the dignified life that they deserve," it added in a statement.
In 2012, Saudi Arabia severed ties with Assad's government and championed his ouster, backing Syrian rebels early in the country's civil war.
The Saudi move added to Assad's regional isolation after his government's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 2011 that triggered Syria's war.
In 2023, Syria rejoined the Arab League, marking its return to the international scene, and Assad's government restored ties with Saudi Arabia, leading to a slow rapprochement with the kingdom. - AFP