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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has issued a clear warning to Syria’s new leaders after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad last month, urging them not to establish an Islamist government. At a press conference held after a historic visit to Damascus, she declared: “Europe will support the transition in Syria, but it will not finance new Islamist structures. »
European support under conditions
Baerbock stressed the importance of avoiding the rise of extremist regimes in Syria, citing both European security concerns and the aspirations of Syrians in exile. “This is not only in our own security interests, but also what I have heard repeatedly from many Syrians in Germany and here in the region,” she said.
This statement comes as Baerbock, accompanied by her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot, made an unprecedented visit to the Syrian capital. The visit represents the highest level of diplomatic contact between Western powers and Syria since rebel Islamist factions took power last month.
Women’s rights at the heart of concerns
In his discussions with the new Syrian officials, Baerbock stressed that “women’s rights are a key measure” of progress on human rights. This point reflects growing concern in the West about the risks of regression in individual freedoms, particularly under regimes with strong Islamist influence.
She also stressed the importance of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Baerbock called on the country’s neighbors to respect these principles, while highlighting a crucial issue: “The security of the Kurds is essential for a peaceful Syria. »
The Kurdish question at the center of tensions
The integration of Kurdish forces into the Syrian security structure has been presented as a fundamental condition for the stability of the country. This statement comes in a context where the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by the Kurds and supported by the West in the fight against Daesh, face new attacks from factions supported by Turkey in northern Syria.
Since late last year, clashes have intensified, recently peaking around the strategic town of Manbij. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, these fighting caused the deaths of at least 24 fighters, despite American efforts to negotiate a cease-fire.
A transition under international supervision
Baerbock and Barrot’s visit to Damascus marks an important step in international efforts to shape the post-Assad transition. Germany and France, as leaders of the European Union, seek to avoid a repeat of the mistakes made during other political transitions in the region, notably in Libya and Iraq, where power vacuums favored the rise of extremists.
In this context, Baerbock reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting a democratic and inclusive Syria. However, she warned that European funding would be conditional on concrete reforms, particularly in terms of human rights and governance.
The delicate balance of regional relations
The role of Syria’s neighbors, notably Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia, remains a delicate subject. Baerbock urged these actors to play a constructive role, calling for an immediate end to fighting in the north and increased cooperation to stabilize the country. She also stressed that any attempt to redraw Syria’s borders or encourage ethnic or sectarian divisions would be counterproductive.
European diplomacy put to the test
By becoming directly involved in the Syrian transition, Europe seeks to balance humanitarian and security considerations. As the international community closely follows developments in Syria, pressure is increasing on new leaders to avoid a return to chronic instability.
With this visit, Germany and France are sending a strong signal: the future of Syria must be shaped by its citizens, with respect for fundamental rights and with particular attention to vulnerable minorities, such as the Kurds.
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