Saudi Arabia will host diplomatic meetings with foreign ministers from Arab and European nations to discuss Syria’s transition after Bashar al-Assad. The discussions will focus on supporting the new government and considerations for sanction alleviation. U.S. Under Secretary of State John Bass will participate, emphasizing international coordination in addressing Syria’s humanitarian needs amidst ongoing challenges from the Assad regime’s past.
Saudi Arabia is set to convene a meeting with foreign ministers from both Arab nations and European countries on Sunday to discuss the transitional phase in Syria following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s long-standing regime. A Saudi official disclosed that the gatherings will consist of a meeting among Arab states, and subsequently, a broader assembly involving countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and Spain.
The agenda for these discussions will center on various issues pertaining to Syria, including support mechanisms for the newly formed administration and considerations surrounding the potential lifting of existing sanctions. Notably, U.S. Under Secretary of State John Bass is scheduled to attend, reflecting the U.S. commitment to enhancing international cooperation regarding Syrian support. Bass is arriving from Turkey, where he engaged in talks with senior officials about the situation in Syria.
The discussions in Saudi Arabia are a continuation of previously held talks in Jordan regarding Syria’s post-Assad landscape. The ongoing conflict in Syria, which has persisted for over thirteen years, has resulted in the loss of more than half a million lives and has prompted extensive displacement of individuals, many of whom have sought refuge in Europe. Amidst this turmoil, the transitional government in Damascus continues to advocate for the removal of sanctions that restrict its functions.
Since the onset of the civil war in Syria in 2011, following widespread protests against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the region has experienced a prolonged period of conflict marked by immense humanitarian crises. The Assad government has faced international condemnation and sanctions imposed by Western powers, including the United States and the European Union, which were enforced due to the regime’s violent response to pro-democracy movements. Following Assad’s regime’s decline, the role of international diplomacy has shifted towards establishing a stable governance structure in Syria and aiding in the humanitarian recovery efforts. The recent meeting among diplomats signifies a concerted effort to address the complexities arising from the transitional phase, with discussions aimed at coordinated support for the Syrian populace.
The upcoming diplomatic meetings in Saudi Arabia underscore the international community’s resolve to address the Syrian crisis following Bashar al-Assad’s regime. By engaging both Arab and European officials, the talks aim to bolster support for the new Syrian administration and potentially revise sanction policies. As over a decade of conflict has severely compromised Syrian society, collaborative international efforts are critical to fostering stability and assisting displaced populations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
