German, France FMs make first official visit to Damascus

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
3 Jan 2025 11:29
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German and French officials visit Damascus to explore enhanced bilateral ties with the new regime.

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France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot listens as he is greeted by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, not pictured, in London, England, on November 22, 2024. (AP)

Germany and France's foreign ministers, Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Noel Barrot, arrived in Damascus on Friday in what marks the first official visit since the collapse of the Assad regime.

According to Baerbock, the visit signifies a fresh start in Syrian-EU relations, as well as Syrian-German ties, stressing that this could only be achieved through an inclusive political process. The German diplomat further stated that he visited the Syrian capital with both an offer of support and clear expectations for the new Syrian government.

"We want to support them in this: in an inclusive, peaceful transition of power, in the reconciliation of society, in the reconstruction, in addition to the humanitarian aid that we have continuously provided to the Syrian people over the past years," she wrote in a post on X.

Mit dem Angebot unserer Unterstützung, aber auch klaren Erwartungen an die neuen Machthaber, reisen wir heute nach Damaskus. Den Neuanfang kann es nur geben, wenn allen Syrer*innen gleich welcher ethnischen oder religiösen Gruppe ein Platz im politischen Prozess eingeräumt wird.
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) January 3, 2025

Germany to judge Syria’s new leadership by actions

Previously, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Brussels reported that the atmosphere in the European capital does not indicate any efforts to lift sanctions off Syria in the meantime, despite a "clear urgency to engage with the new Syrian government."

German diplomats held talks with the transitional government in Damascus in December, discussing the possibility of German diplomatic representation in Syria, Reuters revealed, following an announcement by the German Foreign Ministry declaring that Berlin plans to hold talks with representatives of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in Damascus.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that initial talks between German diplomats and governmental representatives appointed by HTS would focus on the transitional process in Syria, as well as the protection of minorities.

"We are exploring possibilities for diplomatic presence in Damascus," the spokesperson stated while emphasizing that Berlin closely monitors Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham due to its background and affiliations with al-Qaeda. However, he did refer to current observations, saying HTS has "acted wisely so far."

He confirmed that Germany is maintaining close communication with its partners, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Arab countries, regarding Syria.

Additionally, a French delegation arrived in Syria today "to engage with the de facto authorities in Damascus," according to statements.

The Special Envoy to Syria, Jean-François Guillaume, confirmed that France was ready to stand by the Syrian population during the transitional period, while the French flag was raised on Tuesday morning above the French embassy in Damascus, which had previously been closed since 2012, according to AFP.

Europe has strategic chance in Syria: Politico

According to Julien Barnes-Dacey, Europe is moving at a slow pace following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Barnes-Dacey writes in Politico that the end of Assad's administration provides Europe with a significant strategic opportunity, including the voluntary repatriation of many Syrian refugees. However, normal European hesitancy is setting in.

While some of the bloc's ambassadors are heading to Damascus, European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas has previously said that significant help for Syria will be contingent on ground improvements.

The author contends that Syria's fate is of critical strategic importance and that the bloc has a possibly limited chance to promote constructive change at a time when internal tensions are wreaking havoc on cohesive European foreign policies.

He believes that Europe needs to make a big and timely offer to Syria. It must put together a big package to encourage the country's new government to continue moving toward moderation, inclusion, and stability if it wishes to shape developments and provide Syria a haven for its exiles.