After meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby said foreign countries can not withdraw legitimacy from the leader, according to Syrian state TV.
“The Arab League rejects any intervention within the internal affairs of any Arab country,” said Araby in a press release, adding that only the people can withdraw legitimacy a leader.
The two discussed recent developments taking place in Syria and the region during a meeting in Damascus.
Araby’s statements followed US statements that the Syrian president has lost legitimacy. He also highlighted the need for stability in Syria and other Arab countries.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, who took part in the press conference, said “Syria is working on applying [the political] reform” that the Syrian opposition has been calling for.
Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa said after the meeting that “no country can call on Assad to step down,” adding “only Syrians can decide. And they support him because they elected him.”
Translated from the Arabic Edition
