German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in Syria to discuss political prospects with the country’s new authorities on Friday.
Baerbock and Barrot became the first EU foreign ministers to visit Syria since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Baerbock said in a statement published on the German Foreign Ministry’s website:
“My trip today – together with my French colleague and on behalf of the EU – is a clear signal to Syrians: political renewal between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible. With this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations from the new rulers, we are travelling to Damascus today.”
At the same time, the German foreign minister attributed the “renewal” of relations to the actions of the new Syrian authorities. According to her, they should give all Syrians, women and men, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, “a place in the political process,” as well as ensure their rights and protection.
Baerbock made no secret of the fact that Europe is sceptical about the prospects of establishing relations with the leaders of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that came to power.
In late November, Syrian rebels launched an offensive in the country. On the night of December 8, they seized the Syrian capital Damascus. The country’s former president Bashar al-Assad fled the country. He and his family members flew to Moscow, where they were granted asylum. Baerbock emphasised:
“We know where the HTS originated ideologically, what it has done in the past. But we also hear and see the desire for moderation and understanding with other important players. The start of the first talks with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces is an important sign in that direction. We will continue to assess the HTS by their actions.”
She also added:
“Despite all our scepticism, we must not miss the chance to support the Syrian people at this important crossroads.”
