Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reopened the country’s embassy in Syria during a visit to Damascus, the first since its closure in 2012. This decision follows significant sectarian violence in the region and highlights Germany’s commitment to reconstruction efforts, pledging €300 million for aid. Baerbock called for accountability from the interim government and emphasized the necessity of security for all Syrians as a condition for closer relations with Europe.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, recently reopened her country’s embassy in Syria during a visit to Damascus. The embassy had been closed since 2012 due to the ongoing Syrian civil war. This visit marks Baerbock’s second trip since the fall of President Bashar Assad, which occurred more than three months ago, and follows recent tragic sectarian violence that resulted in over 1,500 deaths along Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
Baerbock expressed her concern regarding the loss of trust caused by the recent outbreaks of violence, labeling the targeted killings of civilians as “a terrible crime.” She urged the transitional government, led by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, to manage its internal groups and hold accountable those responsible for such actions. Baerbock emphasized Germany’s commitment to aid in Syria’s reconstruction alongside European partners and the United Nations.
Recently, Germany pledged €300 million ($325 million) for reconstruction assistance, contributing to a total of €5.8 billion raised in a donor conference. According to a source from the German Foreign Ministry, the embassy will begin operations with a small diplomatic team in place, while consular services will remain based in Beirut due to security concerns in Syria.
The German Ministry highlighted the nation’s significant interest in promoting stability within Syria, which would facilitate the development of diplomatic relations and assist in the inclusive political transition necessary for representing all population groups’ interests. Baerbock underscored the importance of establishing security for all citizens of Syria to facilitate a renewed relationship with Europe.
Amid increasing violence in Syria, with reports by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noting the deaths of many civilians, Baerbock called for restraint from all foreign actors involved in the region. She attributed the past chaos to foreign influences and insisted that all parties should strive to support the intra-Syrian unification process.
In conclusion, the reopening of the German embassy in Syria symbolizes a renewed commitment to aid and stabilization in the region following substantial violence. Germany’s financial support for reconstruction and emphasis on inclusive governance highlight its strategic interests in fostering peace. However, the call for accountability and restoration of security underscores the complex challenges ahead in a country still marred by conflict and fear among its citizens.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
