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A reset for Syria: Foreign Minister Baerbock to travel to Damascus for talks
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, her French counterpart Jean Noël Barrot and Ahmed al Sharaa, © photothek
Foreign Minister Baerbock is today travelling to Damascus for talks. Together with her French counterpart Jean Noël Barrot and on behalf of the EU, she will speak to Ahmed al Sharaa as well as representatives of Syrian civil society.
Following the overthrow of the brutal Assad regime, Syria is embarking on the new start that the people have wanted for so long. With their trip to Damascus, Foreign Minister Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean Noël Barrot are making it clear on behalf of the EU that we are ready to support Syria in its political reset and peaceful transition of power, in the country’s reconstruction and not least in a process of reconciliation in society.
Decades of repression, the atrocities of the Assad regime and its terrible civil war have left deep wounds for millions of people in Syria. An entire country is marked by them – but is now rightfully hoping that the future will be a better one. The painful chapter of the Assads’ rule has ended. A new chapter has opened, but has not yet been written. Because in this moment the people of Syria have the opportunity to take the fate of their country into their own hands once again. And to close those deep, open wounds.
We want to help them with this, with an inclusive, peaceful transition of power, with reconciliation within Syrian society, with reconstruction, in addition to the humanitarian assistance that we have been providing uninterrupted for the people of Syria over all these years. It’s clear to us all that this will be no easy path.
-Foreign Minister Baerbock prior to her departure for Damascus
What now?
It is clear that this will be no easy path. And it is also clear that at present, notwithstanding the relief at the end of the regime, in some sections of Syrian society worries prevail. Foreign Minister Baerbock will be discussing this during her visit in political talks and also in conversations with civil society representatives. Because it is now absolutely crucial that religious or ethnic groups and minorities in Syria, such as the Alawites, Christians, Druze or Kurds, as well as women participate in the political process. A societal reset can only succeed if it is inclusive and open. The government for the political transition must now commit to this, and we will judge it by its actions.
This reset can only happen if the new Syrian society gives everyone in Syria, women and men, regardless of the ethnic or religious group they belong to, a place in the political process, if it guarantees them rights and offers them protection. If precisely these rights are safeguarded in the transition process that now lies ahead, rather than potentially undermined by excessively long waits for elections or by steps to Islamise the justice or education system. If the past is reckoned with, justice is done and reprisals against entire groups are refrained from. If extremism and radical groups have no place. That must be our common goal. And it is also very much in our own interest – security in Europe and in Germany is closely intertwined with this goal.
-Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
Syria’s future in the world
In the eyes of Germany and the European Union, Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are vital for a new, inclusive political order to develop in the country.
Germany is also working with its international partners to prevent the process within Syria from being disrupted by external actors. We have drawn up important principles to this end in Aqaba with the UN. They include the need for all neighbouring states to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, it is time for Russia to leave its military bases in Syria. The Syrian people will not forget the large-scale bombardments and human rights violations. It was Putin who stood by Assad for so long, who supported and covered for the crimes of the regime.
We now have a goal before us that millions of Syrians long for, too: for Syria to once again become a respected member of the international community. A safe home for all its people. A functioning state with full control of its territory, which offers people the protection and assistance that they need in order to live.
-Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
