G-7 to Back Syrian Transition as Qatar Contacts New Leaders
- G-7 endorses new Syria government if minorities are respected
- Qatar is said to open channel with Islamist group in charge
People celebrate at Umayyad Square in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 9.
Photographer: Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty ImagesGroup of Seven leaders are willing to support a new Syrian government if the transition process respects minorities, while Qatar has become one of the first nations to establish communication with the opposition leaders that toppled President Bashar al-Assad.
The G-7 “is hopeful that all the opposition groups seeking a role in governing Syria will demonstrate their commitment to the rights of all Syrians,” according to a draft statement the G-7 plans to issue later this week.