Jordan says burdens of Syrian refugees exceed its capacity

AMMAN, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Jordan said on Tuesday it was taking burdens beyond its capacity as a result of the Syrian refugee crisis, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

The remarks were made by Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi during a phone call with UN envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura.

Safadi emphasized that the international community must shoulder its full responsibility towards Syrian refugees.

He added that Jordan continues to carry out its humanitarian duties towards 1.3 million Syrian refugees in the kingdom.

Jordan, he said, will continue to do whatever possible to address the needs of Syrian refugees.

The minister added that at the same time, Jordan will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and security from the repercussions of any developments in the Syrian crisis.

During the call, Safadi underlined the need to maintain the de-escalation zone in southern Syria, as an accomplishment that prevents further deepening of the Syrian people's suffering and a step towards a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis.

He said the solution should preserve the unity and cohesion of Syria and be accepted by the Syrian people on the basis of the 2254 Security Council resolution.

The de-escalation zone was created in the southwestern parts of Syria last year following a tripartite deal between Jordan, Russia and the United States.

Safadi and de Mistura discussed the political and field developments in Syria, especially the humanitarian catastrophe in Ghouta, which both officials emphasized the need to stop it immediately.

The foreign minister also reiterated the kingdom's support for the Geneva process as a framework for reaching a political solution to the crisis. Enditem