Syria's return to Arab League possible: Secretary general

ISTANBUL

The secretary-general of the Arab League said Syria's return to the organization is possible before its upcoming summit in Riyadh on May 19.

Speaking to Egypt's El-Sharq TV on Wednesday, Aboul Gheit said "there is a specific legal context in the Arab League Charter for Syria's reinstatement into the Arab League.

"It is within the right of a state or a group of states to request a discussion about the issue of Syria's readmission to its position in the Arab League, particularly since Syria was not expelled from the League, but rather had its membership suspended," he said.

Gheit added that only a "major event" could lead to the delay of Syria's return to the League, but did not elaborate any further.

Syria was suspended from the 22-state League in 2011 over the regime’s crackdown on protests, which led to a civil war. But several Arab capitals have mended ties with Damascus in recent years.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar

ISTANBUL

The secretary-general of the Arab League said Syria's return to the organization is possible before its upcoming summit in Riyadh on May 19.

Speaking to Egypt's El-Sharq TV on Wednesday, Aboul Gheit said "there is a specific legal context in the Arab League Charter for Syria's reinstatement into the Arab League.

Gheit added that only a "major event" could lead to the delay of Syria's return to the League, but did not elaborate any further.

Syria was suspended from the 22-state League in 2011 over the regime’s crackdown on protests, which led to a civil war. But several Arab capitals have mended ties with Damascus in recent years.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar