Kallas recognizes challenges in the transition in Syria and calls to avoid repeating the mistakes of Libya or Afghanistan

He admits that HTS “is not the most peaceful group” but points out that the new authorities will be judged by their actions

BRUSSELS, Dec. 10 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, recognized this Tuesday that the transition in Syria after the fall of the Bashar al Assad regime presents important “challenges” for which she has called for an inclusive and respectful process with minorities. to avoid the mistakes made in Libya, Iraq or Afghanistan.

In her speech in the European Parliament to discuss the open situation in Syria after the dazzling offensive by rebels and jihadists that has managed to overthrow the Syrian regime, the head of European diplomacy has pointed out the “historic” moment that the fall of the saga represents. Al Assad after more than 50 years in power, pointing out that the population has managed to “free itself” from a dictatorship that for 13 years “terrorized” its own citizens within the framework of a civil war.

In any case, Kallas has stressed that the next steps in the transition in Syria “will present great challenges” for the country and the region. “There is legitimate concern about the risk of sectarian violence, the extremist resurgence and the power vacuum, which is why the horrible scenarios of Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan must be avoided.”

Thus, he has emphasized that the new Syrian authorities must protect the rights of minorities and begin the work of national reconstruction, addressing the needs of all sectors, including women and girls.

Likewise, Kallas sees it as key to “preserve” the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Syria as well as the institutions, in such a way that progress is made in a dialogue led by local actors for a “peaceful and inclusive” transition, noting that the EU will continue closely the situation in the face of the “persistent doubts” that exist regarding the near future in Syria.

In his opinion, the fall of Al Assad shows that Russia and Iran could no longer afford to support the Syrian regime, nor were they interested in remaining present after its collapse. “They are weakened, distracted and overstretched in other settings in the Middle East and Ukraine. For Putin and the Iranian regime this is a big blow,” he added.

In front of MEPs, the former Estonian prime minister confirmed that she maintains close contacts with “constructive partners in Syria and the region” to evaluate the situation after the fall of Al Assad, although she has not mentioned the specific role that jihadist groups will play. such as Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a former branch of Al Qaeda.

HTS “IS NOT THE MOST PEACEFUL GROUP” BUT THEY WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR DEEDS

Regarding the political transition process in Syria, the High Representative has admitted that HTS “is not the most peaceful organization” and, without delving further into the radical nature of the group or the leadership of Abu Mohamed al Golani, a veteran jihadist considered a pragmatic leader , has indicated that the new Syrian authorities will be judged by their actions.

“We must do everything to remain calm and avoid another civil war, radicalization and protect minorities. This is a great concern, there are many different groups and we must guarantee that there is no revenge or reprisals,” he stressed.

For the EU Foreign Minister, it is still “early” to assess whether the events in Syria “are going in the right direction”, although she has pointed out that there are “good signs” from the new authorities after the fall of the dictatorship. .

In any case, he has reiterated that the new Syrian leaders “will be judged by their actions and not by their words”, indicating that the coming weeks will be “key” to know if steps are taken in the right direction before the EU agrees that type of relationship it will maintain with these groups in the post-Assad scenario, in line with the position of the countries in the region.