Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed Syria’s return to the Arab League

Russia welcomes the decision to renew Syria’s membership in the League of Arab States (LAS), as this will help overcome the consequences of the Syrian crisis. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.

“The resumption of Syria’s participation in the work of the Arab League, of which it is one of the founding states, will contribute to the improvement of the atmosphere in the Middle East region and the speedy overcoming of the consequences of the Syrian crisis,” says in the message of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Zakharova added that Moscow expects increased support for Syria from other Arab states, recalling that the country’s recovery from the conflict is complicated by illegal Western sanctions imposed on the country.

Earlier today, the Arab foreign ministers approved the return of Syria to the Arab League, which was announced by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Later Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abu al-Gheith declaredthat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be able to attend the organization’s next summit if he wants to, as the country’s membership has now been restored. The next Arab League summit will be held on May 19 in Saudi Arabia. As noted by Reuters, the Arab League’s decision to restore Syria’s membership caused sharp criticism from the United States.

Syria’s membership in the Arab League was suspended with the outbreak of civil war in the country in 2011.