German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, along with her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot, has arrived in Damascus. Their goal is to offer assistance to the new Syrian authorities, reports DW.
Baerbock and Barrot are the first high-ranking EU officials to visit Syria since the Islamic militia Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) overthrew Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. The ministers are meeting for the first time with HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara.
Ahead of her trip, Baerbock emphasized that “we know the ideological roots of HTS and its past actions,” referring to its origins in the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al Nusra Front and the so-called Islamic State, both of which have committed heinous crimes against non-Muslims. Despite claims from Damascus that they no longer want to engage in terrorism, al-Shara remains high on the list of wanted terrorists, and Israel remains skeptical of any changes.
A New Beginning with Conditions
Since December 8, when HTS forces entered Damascus and Assad fled to Russia, conciliatory gestures have been seen from al-Shara towards all factions in Syria. While he reportedly pulls the strings behind the scenes, he has not officially taken power. Al-Shara has called for respect for the Constitution and the declaration of elections in Syria within three years. Local media reports suggest that a National Dialogue Conference, involving representatives from all ethnic and religious groups in Syria, is set to take place in January.
At the same time, Syria’s citizens are in dire need of aid. After nearly 14 years of war, much of the country has been destroyed, and the supply to its population is insufficient. Baerbock stated that a political new beginning in relations between Europe and Syria, particularly between Germany and Syria, is possible. She and her French counterpart are arriving in Damascus with “hands extended in peace, but also with clear expectations from the new rulers.”
Al-Shara repeatedly emphasized that Syrian politics is a matter for the Syrian people and that he does not want foreign influence in the country. The European Union has no issue accepting this request and leveraging its influence on countries like Israel and Turkey, which have clear political interests in Syria.
Measured by Actions, Not Words
During their meeting with the Islamic militia leader, Baerbock and Barrot are seeking clear plans for Syria’s future. Baerbock insisted that the rights of all Syrians should be respected, not only in the upcoming elections but beyond. Despite HTS’s origins in the Islamic State, Baerbock emphasized that there should be no place for extremism and terrorism in the new Syria. Europeans are hopeful that the new government in Damascus has already begun talks with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), dominated by Kurds. However, Europe will “measure HTS by its actions, not words.”
Baerbock concluded by stating that despite skepticism, Europe should not miss the opportunity to support the Syrian people at this crucial juncture in their path toward the future. Europe desires a peaceful transition and reconciliation across all segments of Syrian society and state.
