She states in a written comment that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions about what this will mean in the long run – both for Syria and for the region.
"It is now important to have an orderly power transition in Syria," says Malmer Stenergard.
"Protection of the civilian population, civilian infrastructure, and unimpeded humanitarian access in accordance with international humanitarian law must be ensured."
Malmer Stenergard also urges Swedes who may be in Syria, despite the Foreign Ministry's advice against traveling there since 2011, to leave the country.
"The security situation in Syria is serious and changing rapidly, which can result in airports being closed and flights being cancelled. The Foreign Ministry urges Swedes in Syria to leave the country using the means of transportation and routes available, if it can be done without risking personal safety," she says in the written statement.
She adds that the Foreign Ministry has very limited opportunities to help Swedes out of Syria.
