The EU is hosting a donor conference for Syria, the first participation by Syrian leaders after Assad’s ouster. The event aims to gather international support for reconstruction amidst ongoing violence and economic hardship. The interim government seeks legitimacy and aid while navigating complex political dynamics. U.N. officials express cautious optimism about operating conditions under new authorities, although significant challenges remain.
The European Union is convening a donor conference for Syria on Monday, marking the first participation of the Syrian government following the ousting of President Bashar Assad last December. The one-day event will feature ministers and representatives from Western nations, Syria’s neighbors, various Arab countries, and U.N. agencies, chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
This conference is critical due to the ongoing instability in Syria, where new leaders strive to unify a country fragmented into mini-states after 14 years of civil war. Experts estimate reconstruction costs could exceed $400 billion, though previous U.N. assessments pegged the figure at $250 billion. Economic recovery potential faces obstacles primarily due to strict Western sanctions still in effect.
The interim government aims to leverage this conference for international legitimacy, hoping for sanctions relief and immediate aid. However, the EU expresses caution, dealing with troubling developments such as recent violent sectarian attacks that resulted in civilian casualties. The EU asserts the need for a peaceful, inclusive transition while emphasizing respect for Syria’s sovereignty.
In tandem with the donor conference, EU foreign ministers will separately discuss Syria. Although the bloc has begun easing some sanctions to support the interim government, the situation remains fraught, with many regions lacking effective governance and still affected by extremist influences. The interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, recently enacted a temporary constitution that maintains Islamist rule for five years, raising concerns among minority groups.
Syria currently experiences dire economic conditions, with limited access to essential services such as electricity and water, and an unemployment rate reaching up to 90%. The ongoing conflict has displaced millions within and outside the country, with a report from the U.N. indicating that over 4.7 million registered refugees are in neighboring nations. Despite these challenges, optimism exists, particularly from U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, who noted better operational conditions compared to the previous regime and acknowledged the cooperation from Syrian authorities in maintaining open borders for aid delivery.
This conference not only aims to secure financial pledges but also focuses on addressing Syria’s pressing economic needs, underscoring the importance of establishing stability to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation for the populace.
The upcoming EU donor conference represents a pivotal moment for Syria’s new leadership as it seeks international support following years of conflict. With significant reconstruction costs estimated and a need for humanitarian aid, the interim government hopes to bolster its legitimacy on the global stage. However, the challenges posed by ongoing violence and economic collapse necessitate careful consideration from international partners. The emphasis on a peaceful transition and humanitarian access remains crucial to ensuring Syria’s future stability and recovery.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
