Diplomats from the Arab world and the EU met in Riyadh to discuss support for Syria post-Assad. The meetings aimed to address sanctions and the need for an inclusive government under new leadership, amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
Top diplomats from the Arab world and the European Union convened in Riyadh on Sunday to deliberate on strategies to support Syria following the recent political upheaval. The discussions, structured into two distinct sessions, first focused on engagements with Arab officials, followed by broader diplomatic dialogues that incorporated representatives from Turkey, France, the European Union, and the United Nations, as confirmed by a Saudi official to Agence France-Presse.
The meeting coincided with the emergence of Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader, who is advocating for the alleviation of sanctions imposed on the country. These sanctions were originally enacted in response to the regime’s severe suppression of anti-government protests in 2011, which escalated into a civil war that has endured for over 13 years, resulting in over 500,000 fatalities and displacing millions.
European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas noted earlier that the 27-member bloc might reconsider its sanctions stance if the new Syrian government undertook initiatives to establish an inclusive administration that protects minority rights. This pivotal gathering underscores the urgent need for dialogue among global powers in a bid to foster stability in Syria and address the aftermath of the prolonged conflict.
The ongoing civil conflict in Syria has engendered disastrous humanitarian, economic, and social consequences, claiming countless lives and forcing a significant portion of the population to seek refuge elsewhere. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, there has been a shift in the regional political landscape, with new leadership aiming to nurture a more inclusive government. This meeting of diplomats reflects the international community’s efforts to address the repercussions of years of violence and instability.
The meeting of Arab and EU diplomats in Saudi Arabia illustrates the concerted effort to support Syria in light of its recent political changes. With new leadership advocating for the easing of sanctions, the international community’s response will largely depend on the formation of a government that ensures the protection of all citizens. The implications of such dialogues are critical for restoring stability and addressing the humanitarian crises stemming from over a decade of conflict.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
