European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has expressed cautious optimism about the signals coming from Syria’s rebel forces following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Kallas emphasized the need for the transition of power in Syria to avoid descending into revenge and retaliation, protecting minorities and freedom of religion. She warned about the risks of sectarian violence, extremism, and terrorism that must be averted to prevent a repeat of the scenarios seen in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. Kallas also called for the protection of the rights of all Syrians, including minority groups, and stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and independence.
Regarding engagement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel force that led the offensive against al-Assad, Kallas acknowledged some progress but emphasized the need to judge them by their deeds rather than their words. She cautioned that it was too early to issue a verdict on HTS and stressed the importance of maintaining close contacts with regional and international actors to help Syria rebuild.
Due to HTS being a proscribed terrorist organization, EU officials cannot have direct contact with its representatives, raising questions about how messages about Syria policy are being passed on. Kallas highlighted the importance of ensuring Syria’s prosperity in the post-Assad era to prevent another civil war or refugee crisis. The EU is urged to conduct a rapid review of the sanctions imposed against Assad’s regime, with calls to expand exemptions for humanitarian aid flows.
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