The European Union has announced €2.5 billion in aid to Syria despite recent massacres of Christians by jihadist militants linked to the new Syrian government. The Ninth Brussels Conference totaled €5.8 billion in pledges amid concerns over HTS’s involvement and the regime’s ongoing atrocities. EU leaders express hopes for a peaceful, inclusive Syria despite the controversial nature of its current governance.
The European Union has committed €2.5 billion in aid to Syria, amidst ongoing violence that has seen thousands of Christians and other minority groups massacred by militants linked to the new Syrian government. This pledge was announced at the conclusion of the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria on March 17th, which yielded a total commitment of €5.8 billion toward humanitarian relief in the war-torn country since 2011.
Significant contributions from individual states were also recorded, including €300 million from Germany and €190 million from the United Kingdom. The annual conference, organized by the EU since 2017, occurred without involvement from the ousted government of Bashar al-Assad, who was removed by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) last year.
The recent conference featured the participation of Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, the foreign minister of the new Syrian government, though many European leaders have criticized Assad’s regime labeling it a dictatorship. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas stated, “it’s high time that all Syrians can live safely in peace” without directly acknowledging the regime’s current atrocities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the hope for a future Syria characterized by “equal rights and representation for all—men and women alike, beyond faith, ethnicity and ideology.” However, critics suggest that EU efforts are either naive or disingenuous given HTS’s role in the slaughter of approximately 7,000 Christians and Alawites.
Reports indicate that the current head of the Syrian government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has connections to both ISIS and Al-Nusra Front. The newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, previously oversaw the transition of Al-Nusra Front into HTS. Despite HTS being classified as a terrorist organization by both the EU and United Nations, recent actions by the European Parliament have shown an unwillingness to condemn the associated militias’ violent actions.
The EU’s decision to pledge substantial aid to Syria amidst ongoing violence raises significant concerns regarding its approach to governance and human rights. The involvement of HTS, a recognized terrorist entity, in the current Syrian administration intensifies scrutiny over the EU’s intentions and effectiveness in promoting peace and stability in the region. Consequently, the international community must remain vigilant and seek comprehensive accountability for the atrocities committed against minorities in Syria.
Original Source: europeanconservative.com
