Germany Baerbock in Syria: Outstretched hand and clear expectations
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock sets conditions for the new de facto rulers in Syria for a resumption of relations with Germany and the European Union.
03.01.2025, 06:10
03.01.2025, 06:11
SDA
"A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria is possible," said the Green politician on an unannounced visit to Damascus. She came to the Syrian capital with her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot and on behalf of the EU "with this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations of the new rulers".
Around four weeks after the fall of long-term ruler Bashar al-Assad, Baerbock and Barrot want to hold talks with representatives of the transitional government formed by rebels on behalf of the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. De facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa is the leader of the Islamist rebel group Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and was previously known by his battle name Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.
The Foreign Minister wanted to fly to Damascus from Cyprus in the morning. Barrot and Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu had celebrated the turn of the year in Lebanon, not far away, with the French soldiers of the UN observer mission Unifil stationed there. Baerbock and Barrot are the first EU foreign ministers to visit Syria since the fall of Assad.
Baerbock calls for protection of women and minorities
"There can only be a new beginning if the new Syrian society gives all Syrians, women and men, regardless of ethnic or religious group, a place in the political process, grants rights and offers protection," Baerbock demanded. These rights must be safeguarded and "must not be undermined by excessively long deadlines for elections or steps towards the Islamization of the justice or education system".
Al-Sharaa recently said that it could take around three years before a new draft constitution is presented and another year before elections are held. After more than ten years of civil war, the Arab country is fragmented and divided along sectarian lines. Even after the fall of Assad, hostile militias are fighting for power.
Baerbock said that the aim was to support Syria in a peaceful transition of power, the reconciliation of society and reconstruction - in addition to the humanitarian aid that has been provided for the people of Syria in recent years.
There can only be a new beginning if the past is dealt with, justice is done and there are no acts of revenge against population groups, Baerbock demanded. There should be no place for extremism and radical groups.
Skepticism because of the rebels' past
"We know where the HTS comes from ideologically, what it has done in the past," said Baerbock. However, there is also a desire for moderation and understanding with other important players. The start of talks with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is an important sign in this direction.
HTS emerged from the Al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of the Al-Qaeda terrorist network. Al-Sharaa had broken away from Al-Qaeda and the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS). However, there are still reports that the HTS leadership maintains contact with al-Qaeda.
Baerbock: Will measure HTS by their actions
In view of this, Baerbock said: "We will continue to measure the HTS by their actions. Despite all the skepticism, we must not miss the opportunity to support the people in Syria at this important crossroads."
Germany is also committed to ensuring that the internal Syrian process is not disrupted from the outside, explained the Federal Foreign Minister. This also includes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity by all neighboring states, she added, obviously referring to Turkey and Israel, which are accused of pursuing their own interests in Syria. It was also time for Russia to leave its military bases in Syria. Moscow was one of Assad's most important allies for years.
More than 16 million Syrians dependent on humanitarian aid
After almost 14 years of civil war, large parts of Syria have been destroyed and contaminated by landmines and other weapons. The country lacks workers and skilled labor, the economy is shrinking and the currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value since 2020. The provision of public services has collapsed. More than 16 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid.
Almost one million Syrian refugees in Germany
Baerbock's talks in Damascus are also likely to focus on the return of Syrian refugees from Germany, as advocated by the transitional government. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, around 975,000 Syrians are currently living in Germany. Most of them have arrived in the country since 2015 as a result of the civil war.
