Likelihood of Syrian President Visiting Riyadh Increases After Arab League Reinstates Damascus’ Membership: Analyst

He informed TASS that reliable sources from both Riyadh and Damascus have suggested that a visit could take place prior to the Arab League summit on May 19.

Sabi noted that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is taking a stance on resolving regional conflicts that is at odds with the wishes of the US.

Sabi mentioned that the Crown Prince plans to ask Assad to attend the Arab leaders’ gathering in Riyadh in order to strengthen the “meeting in Riyadh as the summit of consolidation of Arab cohorts under the aegis of Saudi leadership.” He speculated that the presidents of Iran and Turkey may also be asked to come to Riyadh as honored guests.

Sabi highlighted that the termination of the Arab boycott of Syria has significantly weakened the effectiveness of the economic sanctions imposed by the US and the EU on Damascus, and that they would have to accept their defeat.