CAIRO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Egypt emphasized on Tuesday that "this critical period in Syria's history" requires all Syrians' concerted efforts to launch a comprehensive, Syrian-owned political process.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this process should be free from any external pressures or interference.

This process, the ministry asserted, should preserve and bolster the unity and stability of Syria and its diverse population, adding it should adopt an inclusive approach, engaging all Syrian national forces, and remain consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

This will enable all Syrians to participate in shaping their future and rebuilding state institutions, ultimately restoring Syria's rightful place within the Arab and international order, according to the statement.

The ministry also confirmed that Egypt is closely following the developments unfolding in Syria, reiterating Egypt's commitment to engaging with Syrian counterparts and investing all efforts to ensure the success of this comprehensive political process.

This, the ministry explained, aims to realize the aspirations of the Syrian people and prevent any attempts to exploit the current circumstances to compromise Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Egypt also seeks to establish suitable conditions for initiating reconstruction efforts and facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their homeland, the ministry said.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and arrived in Russia for asylum as his government collapsed on Sunday following a sweeping offensive by Syrian militant groups.

The groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), waged a major offensive from northern Syria since Nov. 27, and have since swept southwards through government-held areas, capturing the capital Damascus within 12 days.

The fall of al-Assad's government brought a surprise end to the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war, adding to uncertainties for both the war-torn nation and the broader Middle East. Enditem

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