Syria’s Interim Government Joins EU Aid Conference Amid Political Transition
The interim government of Syria will attend the EU aid conference amidst a humanitarian crisis following Assad’s overthrow. This marks a notable shift, as the conference has previously excluded Assad due to his government’s role in the civil war. EU officials hope for a renewed focus on support and rebuilding amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian needs.
The interim government in Damascus is set to participate in an annual aid pledging conference for Syria on Monday, amidst a significant humanitarian crisis and a precarious political landscape following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Since 2017, the European Union (EU) has hosted this critical event in Brussels, which previously excluded Assad’s government due to its actions in the ongoing civil war.
Following Assad’s removal in December, EU officials view this conference as a potential turning point, despite recent violence between the newly installed Islamist rulers and loyalists of Assad. “This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria, as tragically evidenced by the recent wave of violence in coastal areas,” noted EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. However, she also expressed optimism, highlighting a recent agreement to incorporate the Kurdish-led and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces into state bodies.
The EU intends to engage with the new governance of Syria, represented by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, despite the group being classified as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. Asaad al-Shibani, the Syrian Foreign Minister, is anticipated to represent the interim government, alongside numerous European and Arab ministers and officials from international organizations.
This year’s conference holds particular significance as funding for humanitarian efforts is being reduced by the United States. Last year’s event secured pledges totaling 7.5 billion euros (approximately $8.1 billion), with the EU committing 2.12 billion euros for the years 2024 and 2025. Currently, approximately 16.5 million individuals in Syria are in need of humanitarian support, including 12.9 million who require food assistance. The enduring conflict has exacerbated an economic crisis, severely devaluing the Syrian pound and driving a vast majority of the population below the poverty threshold.
The participation of Syria’s interim government in the EU aid conference marks a pivotal shift amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges and political uncertainties following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Despite the looming threats of violence, EU officials express a desire to engage with new leadership under conditions of inclusivity and peace. The conference is essential in potentially addressing the vast humanitarian needs of the Syrian populace, especially in light of significant cuts to aid from other nations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
