Syria’s Interim Government Seeks Humanitarian Aid at EU Conference

The interim government in Damascus will attend an EU conference in Brussels to seek aid for Syria, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The conference aims to address humanitarian crises amid ongoing violence and political transitions. EU leaders express both urgency and hope, emphasizing the importance of integrating new governance structures to promote stability and development.

The interim government in Damascus is set to participate in an international conference convened in Brussels to solicit aid pledges for Syria, which is currently grappling with severe humanitarian issues and a precarious political transition following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The European Union has hosted this annual conference since 2017, previously excluding Assad due to his repressive conduct during the civil war initiated in 2011.

Following the fall of Assad in December, EU officials aspire to utilize this conference as an opportunity for renewal, despite the alarming surge in violence this month between the newly established Islamist authorities and supporters of Assad. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the urgent needs facing Syria, as demonstrated by the recent turmoil in coastal regions, while also expressing a sense of hope following a pivotal agreement on March 10 regarding the integration of Kurdish-led forces into new state structures.

The group responsible for Assad’s downfall, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is classified as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. Nevertheless, EU leaders are inclined to engage with the new ruling body, contingent upon their commitment to fostering an inclusive and peaceful transition. The expected attendees, including Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, will be joined by numerous European and Arab officials along with representatives from various international organizations.

This conference is critical, particularly in light of anticipated reductions in humanitarian and developmental assistance from the United States under the Trump administration. Previous conferences have garnered pledges totaling 7.5 billion euros ($8.1 billion) in grants and loans, with the EU committing to 2.12 billion euros for the years 2024 and 2025. Presently, approximately 16.5 million people in Syria require humanitarian support, with over 12.9 million in need of food assistance, as reported by the EU. The ramifications of the prolonged conflict have been intensified by an economic crisis, leading to a drastic depreciation of the Syrian pound and plunging nearly the entire population into poverty.

In conclusion, the participation of Syria’s interim government in the upcoming EU conference marks a significant shift in the international approach to aid amidst ongoing challenges. The conference aims to address dire humanitarian needs while fostering a new political landscape in Syria. With millions reliant on assistance, the conference’s outcomes could be crucial in shaping Syria’s recovery and future governance.

Original Source: www.usnews.com