Russia and Iran share responsibility for the crimes committed against the Syrian people by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday.
Moscow and Tehran were Assad’s main supporters, Rutte said in a statement. “They also proved to be unreliable partners, abandoning Assad when he ceased to be of use to them,” he added.
Rutte described the sudden overthrow of former Syrian ruler al-Assad by Islamist rebels as “a moment of joy but also uncertainty for the people of Syria and the region.”
NATO wants “a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive Syrian-led political process,” Rutte said.
The Western military alliance will also be “closely watching” the conduct of the rebel leaders during the transition, Rutte added.
“They must uphold the rule of law, protect civilians and respect religious minorities,” he stressed.
