Jordan revealed ahead of a meeting scheduled for today, Friday, to discuss Syria's return to the Arab League, that it is advocating for a joint Arab peace plan that could put an end to the devastating consequences of the Syrian conflict, which has lasted for over a decade, according to a responsible source close to the matter.
The source added that the plan will be discussed in a meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, with the attendance of the foreign ministers of Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to discuss launching a leading Arab role after international efforts have failed over the years to end the bloody conflict.
The official, who requested anonymity to speak with Reuters, stated that the Kingdom has proposed forming a joint Arab group "to engage directly with the Syrian government regarding a detailed plan to end the conflict."
He added that "the detailed roadmap addresses all major issues... and aims to resolve the crisis so that Syria can regain its role in the region and rejoin the Arab League."
Jordan was one of the first Arab countries to have a disagreement with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on how to handle the conflict, and after the regime regained control about two years ago, it stated that the stalemate in the conflict must be broken.
The official noted that following a "step-by-step" approach to resolving the crisis and ultimately allowing Syria's return to the Arab League forms the basis of the roadmap that Jordan is advocating for, adding that his country hosts 1.3 million Syrian refugees.
The senior official stated that the roadmap is crucial "to address the humanitarian, security, and political ramifications of the conflict."
Hundreds of thousands have been killed in a war that has attracted various foreign powers and divided the country.
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi raised the peace plan during a meeting with Assad in Damascus in February, marking the first visit of a senior Jordanian official since the onset of the Syrian conflict.
The official indicated that Jordan has briefed its ally Washington and key European countries about the plan, adding that a key issue that needs to be addressed is the return of millions of refugees who fled Syria, many of whom fear retaliation if they return.
The official continued that gaining Western support is crucial for ending the crisis, as well as lifting U.S. and European sanctions on Damascus to enable a massive reconstruction process for the war-torn country and meet urgent humanitarian needs.
He added that the presence of "sectarian militias," referring to Shiite factions allied with Iran and led by Hezbollah, represents a significant concern for Jordan and Arab countries.
The senior official remarked, "We want to end this crisis, and restoring security and stability to Syria is essential for the security of the region."
