Syria’s Interim Government Engages with EU Amid Ongoing Crisis

The interim Syrian government will attend the EU aid conference in Brussels, aimed at addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis following Assad’s fall. The conference, recognized for its importance amidst a backdrop of violence and economic collapse, seeks to generate significant aid pledges to support millions in need.

The interim government in Damascus will participate in the annual EU aid pledging conference for Syria, occurring amidst a severe humanitarian crisis and an ambiguous political transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Since its inception in 2017, the conference, hosted by the European Union in Brussels, had previously excluded Assad’s regime due to its involvement in the civil war that erupted in 2011.

Following Assad’s removal in December, EU officials view this conference as an opportunity to initiate a new chapter for Syria, despite ongoing violence that has recently erupted between the Islamist rulers and Assad loyalists. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that, “This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria,” mentioning the significant violence in coastal areas.

Kallas also referred to this period as one of newfound hope, highlighting the March 10 agreement to incorporate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into emerging state structures. Although Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group responsible for Assad’s ousting, is classified as a terrorist organization by the UN, EU officials are eager to engage with these new rulers, provided they adhere to commitments for an inclusive and peaceful transition.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is anticipated to be present at the conference, alongside numerous European and Arab ministers and representatives from international organizations. The event is crucial, particularly as the U.S. has reduced its humanitarian and development aid under the Trump administration. Last year’s conference yielded pledges totaling 7.5 billion euros ($8.1 billion), with the EU committing 2.12 billion euros for 2024 and 2025.

According to EU reports, around 16.5 million individuals in Syria need humanitarian aid, with 12.9 million requiring food assistance. The war’s devastation has been exacerbated by an economic crisis, causing the Syrian pound to plummet and leading to a majority of the population living below the poverty line.

In summary, the interim Syrian government’s participation in the EU aid conference marks a significant shift in addressing Syria’s humanitarian crisis post-Assad. With ongoing violence and economic turmoil, international engagement is deemed essential. The conference aims to raise vital aid pledges to assist millions affected by the conflict, emphasizing the need for a peaceful transition amid challenges ahead.

Original Source: www.france24.com