Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reopened the embassy in Damascus during her recent visit. This action follows significant violence in the region and reflects Germany’s commitment to support Syria’s reconstruction. Baerbock urged the Syrian government to prioritize security for all citizens and mentioned a substantial aid pledge of 300 million euros to assist in rebuilding efforts.
On Thursday, during a day-long visit to Damascus, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock officially reopened the German embassy, which had been closed since 2012 due to the Syrian civil war. This marks her second visit since the recent fall of President Bashar Assad, which occurred over three months ago. Baerbock’s visit follows substantial sectarian violence that resulted in the tragic loss of more than 1,500 lives along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, an area predominantly inhabited by Assad’s Alawite community.
Baerbock expressed concern over the recent outbreaks of violence, deeming the deliberate targeting of civilians a grave atrocity that has eroded trust within the region. She urged the transitional government led by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to manage its internal factions responsibly and ensure accountability for their actions. Furthermore, she emphasized Germany’s commitment to collaborating with European partners and the United Nations in efforts to rebuild Syria.
To this end, Germany recently pledged 300 million euros, or approximately $325 million, for reconstruction efforts during a donor conference that secured total commitments of 5.8 billion euros. According to a German foreign ministry official, a small team of diplomats has been dispatched to Damascus as they renew their diplomatic presence,
However, consular services will continue to be managed from Beirut due to practical and security considerations in Syria. The ministry representative noted that Germany holds significant interest in stabilizing Syria, and that close diplomatic ties can bolster an inclusive political transition catering to the pluralistic society of Syria.
Germany’s reestablishment of diplomatic ties is accompanied by a focus on engaging with civil society to promptly address negative developments. Baerbock underscored that any renewed relations with Syria’s transitional authorities hinge on ensuring security for all Syrians, irrespective of their diverse faiths or ethnicities, as many citizens fear a future devoid of safety.
In light of the violent upheaval that has recently troubled Syria’s coast, Baerbock highlighted safety concerns and reiterated the importance of a measured approach. She cautioned against the detrimental influence of foreign actors, which has historically contributed to chaos in Syria, urging all parties to exercise restraint and support the intra-Syrian unification process.
Baerbock stated, “Even today, attacks on Syrian territory threaten the country’s stability. All sides are called upon to exercise maximum military restraint and not to torpedo the intra-Syrian unification process.”
In conclusion, Annalena Baerbock’s visit to Syria signifies Germany’s renewed diplomatic engagement and commitment to aiding in the country’s reconstruction. The reopening of the embassy reflects Germany’s intent to foster stability and contribute to peace-building efforts while holding Syrian authorities accountable for their actions. Baerbock’s emphasis on security for all Syrians and the need for restraint among foreign actors suggests a cautious approach essential for initiating a political transition conducive to lasting peace.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
