Germany Baerbock holds out prospect of easing sanctions on Syria
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has held out the prospect of easing EU sanctions on Syria following the fall of long-term ruler Bashar al-Assad. Speaking on the sidelines of an international conference in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, the Green politician said: "Despite all the justified skepticism, we as an international community must not let the chance of a future for Syria pass us by. That is why we in Germany and Europe are now taking the first concrete steps."
12.01.2025, 13:53
SDA
"Sanctions against the Assad clan and its henchmen, who have committed serious crimes during the terrible civil war in Syria, must remain in place," said Baerbock. However, the German government is proposing that the European Union adopt a "smart approach" and support the Syrian population quickly so that there is food to buy in stores or markets, so that there is more electricity and reconstruction can begin. "All of this promotes stability and ensures a peaceful transition of power."
The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, wrote on Platform X that they would examine how sanctions could be eased. However, this must be accompanied by tangible progress in a political transition that reflects Syria in all its diversity.
The EU had imposed sanctions against Syria from 2011 in response to the violent actions of the Assad government against the civilian population. These are directed against the now overthrown government and its supporters as well as against economic sectors from which the government profited. The EU measures include a ban on investments in the Syrian oil industry and in companies involved in the construction of new power plants to generate electricity in Syria, a ban on imports of crude oil from Syria, an arms embargo and other export restrictions.
Phase of upheaval
The conference in Riyadh was attended by foreign ministers from Arab states as well as Syria's de facto foreign minister Asaad al-Shaybani, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. In addition to Baerbock, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, was also present.
Since the fall of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, Syria has been in a phase of political upheaval and reorientation. Since then, the still fragmented country has been led by a transitional government. It emerged from the Islamist group Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which forced Assad to flee to Russia through a rebel offensive it led. Syria is strongly divided along sectarian lines. Some foreign states have a major influence on developments in the country, where a civil war has raged for almost 14 years.
In Syria and internationally, close attention is being paid in recent weeks to whether HTS will respect the rights of women or religious minorities in the country and allow them to participate in public life. Meanwhile, fighting continues, particularly in the north of the deeply divided country. Kurdish militias are fighting against Turkish-backed fighters there, and the Turkish air force and artillery are also involved. According to experts, Turkey in particular has gained influence as a result of the upheaval in Syria.
Baerbock pledges further humanitarian support
Baerbock pledged further aid to improve the humanitarian situation in Syria. Germany will support the UN World Food Programme and various non-governmental organizations with an additional 50 million euros for food, emergency shelters and medical care, said Baerbock.
The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic and the current situation is volatile. "For the political transition, which is so important, there is an urgent need to improve the living conditions of people in the various regions." Baerbock also called for the Assad government's crimes to be investigated. Human rights activists have documented systematic killings, torture and other crimes in thousands of cases under Assad and his father Hafez, who ruled together for more than 50 years.
The civil war in Syria has had devastating consequences for the country's people, infrastructure and economy. 16 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid and 70 percent of the population live in poverty. The economy has shrunk by 85 percent since 2011. It is estimated that reconstruction could cost between 250 and 400 billion US dollars. Around 13 million people have been displaced in the country or have fled abroad.
Difficult transition
Germany and Europe stand by the Syrians' side for a free and peaceful Syria for all people, said the Foreign Minister. She had already made this clear during her visit to Damascus just over a week ago. A political dialog involving all Syrians is needed, regardless of religion, ethnic origin, man or woman. The meeting in Riyadh was important for central European partners to engage in an intensive exchange with partners from the region.
Baerbock made it clear that Syria needed strong international support. In this "absolutely volatile situation", it was not only necessary to prevent further violent clashes, but above all to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State terrorist militia.
