EU to reevaluate Syria policy following Assad's exit
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European Commission Spokesperson Anouar El Anouni called for a focus on actions over rhetoric and warned against prejudging decisions ahead of the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council.
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A security officer stands near a Syrian new regime flag on the gate of the Syrian Embassy in Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. (AP)
European Commission Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anouar El Anouni stated on Tuesday that the European Union will evaluate its next steps concerning the bloc's stance on Syria's new leadership in coordination with its member states, adding that the discussions will also involve the United Nations.
"Several member states have announced their readiness to work with Syrian opposition groups that took power on the basis of fundamental human rights. As for the EU, the next steps will be discussed by member states as well as in other frameworks, including the UN, since HTS [Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham] is under UN sanctions. We will assess the actual conduct, not just the words, of those exercising responsibilities, and then member states will decide on the next steps," Anouni told a midday briefing.
The spokesperson also urged against "prejudging" the decisions that may be taken during the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council scheduled for December 16, 2024.
Read more: Netanyahu exploits Syria chaos for gains amid corruption trial
This development follows significant changes in Syria, where new regime forces captured Damascus on Sunday, leading to former President Bashar al-Assad's departure from the country.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Assad stepped down and left Syria after negotiations with conflict participants.
"Assad's withdrawal from the process of fulfilling the duties of the head of state is his personal decision. The rest will be left without comments," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti reporters.
Subsequently, Mohammed al-Bashir, head of the "salvation government," announced, in a televised speech earlier today that he has been authorized to form an interim government by the decision of the new government forces that have taken over Damascus.
"By decision of the General Command, we have been authorized to form an interim government. This will be done tentatively by March 1, 2025," al-Bashir told al-Hadath broadcaster.
It is worth noting that the "salvation government" was formed by opposition forces in Idlib in January 2024.
UK could consider removing proscription of Syria's HTS
In a similar context, senior British minister Pat McFadden said on Monday that the UK may consider removing the proscribed status of Hay'at al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group at the forefront of the Syrian new government forces that played a key role in ousting al-Assad.
When asked if the British government would have to look again into the proscription of HTS, McFadden told Sky News, "We will consider that. And I think it will partly depend on what happens [next]."
