“We cannot leave a vacuum in Syria. The European Union must be present.” The new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallasannounced this Tuesday the reopening of the European embassy in Damascus after the fall of the regime Bashar Al Assad. The objective is to establish a “cautious dialogue” with the new Islamist authorities, despite having the HTS group at its core, which appears on the community blacklist of terrorist organizations.
Kallas has made this announcement after the Foreign Ministers of the Twenty-seven have established, in the meeting held this Monday, the “red lines” to normalize relations with the new regime in Syria. Among the “basic principles” demanded by the EU are respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria or the formation of inclusive government that takes into account all minorities, as well as women’s rights.
If the new authorities in Damascus respect these principles, not only in their statements but above all in their actions, the European Union is willing to “a possible review of our sanctions regime in order to support Syria’s path to recovery, maintaining our influence and supporting accountability efforts at this crucial juncture,” Kallas said in a speech to the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
For her part, the president of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyensaid in an appearance without questions in Istanbul with the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan that “the collapse of the Assad regime offers new hope to the Syrian people, but it also carries risks: the situation on the ground remains extremely volatile and we are closely monitoring developments.”
“Syrian citizens deserve a peaceful transitionthat preserves the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its country, that sustains the institutions of the State and that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people in all their diversity. This means that national unity must be respected and also the rights of minorities,” the German politician has claimed.
“Europe is willing to do its part to support Syria at this critical juncture. Our top diplomat returns to Damascus, where there is already a European presence through our humanitarian teams,” says Von der Leyen. In fact, the EU always maintained its humanitarian presence in Syria, while respecting the principles of “no contacts, no cooperation and no financing” with the Assad regime.
“Now we have to step forward and engage in direct dialogue with HTS and other factions. We will also reinforce our participation in early recovery, including basic services such as electricity and water and infrastructure,” says the president. Brussels has already increased humanitarian aid to Syria to reach 160 million euros this year. The EU is already the main donor of Syria and will maintain its support with a new focus on reconstruction.
Regarding the possible return of Syrian refugees living in Europe, Von der Leyen has called for “maximum caution” for the moment in the face of the unpredictable situation in the country. “All returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified”has concluded.
Add Comment