Germany’s current diplomatic efforts in Syria are meeting with approval in political Berlin. “It’s extremely reasonable to find out, directly with the new powers in Syria, if a more peaceful and democratic development of the country is possible after the fall of the bloody Assad dictatorship” SPD politician Ralf Stegner told the “Rheinische Post” (Wednesday edition). “This would be more than desirable.”
CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen called for Germany to quickly re-establish a diplomatic presence in Damascus. “The developments in Syria affect important German interests. Currently, we have practically no influence there. This must change in our own interest” he said. “We need to be on the spot for that.”
Left party leader Jan van Aken also criticized the government’s approach. “Diplomatic visits to Syria are important – but they must go beyond empty symbolism” he said. “The Kurdish areas must not be left in the lurch any longer – especially not when they are being attacked by Turkey.” At the same time, the former UN biological weapons inspector made serious accusations. “The German government has a heavy debt to atone for, as it has supported Assad’s chemical weapons program for years” van Aken said.