European Diplomats Arrive in Syria for Unannounced Visit, Seeking Dialogue with Islamist Leadership
European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers, Annalena Baerbock, and her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, have arrived in Damascus, Syria, in a surprise visit, aiming to engage in talks with the Islamist-led transitional government. Baerbock emphasized that the visit is not a recognition of the new regime, but rather an effort to extend an “outstretched hand” with clear expectations.
The delegation, representing the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, will hold discussions with representatives of the government, led by Ahmed al-Scharaa, the de-facto ruler and former leader of the Islamist rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The HTS, previously known as the Nusra Front, has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and has been accused of carrying out suicide bombings and promoting a violent, sectarian ideology. However, Baerbock acknowledged that the group’s leadership now expresses a desire for moderation and dialogue with other key actors.
The visit also aims to address the issue of Syrian refugees in Germany, with around 975,000 Syrians currently living in the country, most of whom arrived since 2015 due to the conflict. The German government has been seeking a solution for the repatriation of these refugees, and the talks may provide an opportunity for discussion on this topic.
The visit comes as the US also sent a delegation to Syria, seeking to normalize ties with the new Islamist-led government. The development has raised concerns among some Western countries, who are wary of the group’s ties to Al-Qaida and its past activities.