The foreign ministers of Germany and France visited Syria’s new leadership for the first time since the fall of Assad’s regime, advocating for a peaceful transition and respect for human rights. The visit included a tour of Sednaya prison, emphasizing the need for justice. The ministers expressed hope for a fragile yet real democratic transition in Syria, offering technical assistance for drafting a new constitution.
On Friday, the foreign ministers of Germany and France visited Damascus to meet with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Syria’s new de facto leader, representing the first visit by European Union officials since the fall of the Assad regime in December. Ministers Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Noel Barrot expressed their intention to cultivate new relations with Syria while advocating for a peaceful transfer of power. The visit serves as a cautious overture to the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and calls for respect for civilian and minority rights.
Baerbock labeled the visit as a significant signal for re-establishing diplomatic ties with Syria, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in governance. She remarked on the desire for Syria to regain its respected status within the international community. During their stay, the ministers specifically addressed the pressing issue of human rights violations, visiting Sednaya prison, notorious for its past atrocities under the Assad regime, which Barrot described as a “concentration camp style of hell.”
Both ministers stressed the imperatives of justice and accountability during their trip, vowing to extend France’s technical assistance to the transitional government in Syria to aid their endeavors towards transitional justice. Barrot also recommended that the new Syrian authorities invite the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to assess the chemical weapons situation in the country. In outlining future prospects, the ministers conveyed a hopeful yet cautious sentiment regarding Syria’s democratic transition, characterized as “fragile but real.”
This article centers on the significant diplomatic visit undertaken by the foreign ministers of Germany and France to Syria amid a transformative period following the overthrow of President Bashar Al-Assad. The visit marks a pivotal moment as EU officials re-engage with a country that has endured prolonged conflict and human rights violations. It highlights the international community’s intent to support transitional governance while emphasizing the necessity for justice and adherence to human rights, especially for minorities.
The meeting between the German and French foreign ministers and Syria’s new leadership indicates a pivotal shift in international diplomatic relations. By signaling a willingness to assist in Syria’s transition to democracy and focusing on justice for wartime atrocities, the EU ministers advocate for foundational changes in governance. Their visit underscores the fragile yet hopeful potential for constructive engagement in rebuilding Syria and ensuring the protection of its diverse civilian population.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
