Germany Reopens Embassy in Syria After 13 Years of Closure
Germany has reopened its embassy in Syria after 13 years, aiming for renewed diplomatic relations under the new regime. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted the importance of freedom and inclusion for all citizens while acknowledging recent violent clashes that have diminished trust in the interim government. The official praised a recent agreement with Kurdish authorities as a step toward a more inclusive governance in Syria.
On Thursday, Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus, marking a significant moment 13 years after it originally closed due to the onset of Syria’s civil war. The decision was formalized by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her visit to Syria, which was her second since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December, according to the German news agency dpa.
As a key player within the European Union, Germany’s move follows similar actions by Italy and Spain, which reopened their embassies during and after Assad’s regime. In a statement preceding her visit, Baerbock indicated that her aim was to foster a “political new beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria.”
However, Baerbock emphasized that this renewed relationship hinges on establishing “freedom, security, and opportunity for all people in Syria,” making particular mention of the importance of inclusion across various ethnic and religious groups. Recently, renewed clashes between Assad loyalists and opposing forces have heightened tensions, resulting in significant casualties primarily affecting the Alawite community.
Reiterating that the recent violence has eroded trust, Baerbock insisted that the transitional government, led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, must maintain authority over its factions and hold accountable those responsible for the unrest. In a positive development, the interim government recently entered into a historic agreement with Kurdish-led authorities to address governance in the northeast, a step praised by Baerbock as a necessary move towards broader inclusion in a reformed Syria.
The reopening of Germany’s embassy in Syria represents a potential turning point in diplomatic relations following over a decade of civil conflict. With Foreign Minister Baerbock’s emphasis on inclusion and accountability within the transitional government, Germany signals its willingness to support a political reset in Syria, contingent upon the establishment of security and freedom for all citizens.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
