Arab approach to Syrian crisis 'serious': Jordanian FM

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Monday that the Arab approach to resolving the Syrian crisis is "serious," stressing the need to take practical steps toward ending the crisis.

Safadi made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad during his visit to Syria.

The minister visited Syria to discuss the Jordanian initiative to address the Syrian crisis, which adopts a step-by-step approach with humanitarian, military-security and political concerns.

"This initiative is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, so we could move in a practical way toward resolving the Syrian crisis," said Safadi, adding that the Arab efforts will be coordinated with the international community to work out a comprehensive solution.

Referring to economic sanctions imposed by the West on Syria, the Jordanian diplomat said: "We must walk a path that could lead us toward lifting the sanctions and the return of Syria to its status."

The two officials also touched on refugee issues. Mekdad clarified that the "severe and unprecedented" Western sanctions are hindering the return of Syrians to their homes.