The interim government of Syria is set to participate in an EU-hosted conference aimed at securing aid amid humanitarian crises following Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Key officials, including Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, are expected to attend, seeking support amid rising violence and economic challenges, with 16.5 million people in need of assistance.
The interim government in Damascus is scheduled to participate in an international conference aimed at securing aid pledges for Syria, amidst significant humanitarian challenges and a tumultuous political transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Since 2017, the European Union has hosted this conference in Brussels, which previously excluded Assad’s regime due to its oppressive actions during the civil war that began in 2011.
In light of Assad’s overthrow in December, EU officials regard this conference as an opportunity for a fresh beginning. However, concerns remain regarding recent escalations of violence between the new Islamist rulers and Assad loyalists. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed, “This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria, as tragically evidenced by the recent wave of violence in coastal areas,” while also highlighting the emergence of hope through an agreement made in March to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into new state institutions.
The group that facilitated Assad’s removal, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is classified as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. Nonetheless, EU representatives express willingness to engage with the new leadership, provided they adhere to commitments towards an inclusive and peaceful transition. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is anticipated to attend, along with numerous representatives from European and Arab nations and international organizations.
The conference’s significance is underscored by the substantial cuts to humanitarian and development aid programs initiated by the United States under President Donald Trump. Last year’s conference secured commitments of 7.5 billion euros (approximately $8.1 billion), with the EU pledging 2.12 billion euros for 2024 and 2025. Currently, an alarming 16.5 million individuals in Syria require humanitarian support, and 12.9 million are lacking adequate food resources, as reported by the EU. The ongoing economic crisis further exacerbates the situation, leading to a plummeting Syrian pound and driving a majority of the population into poverty.
The upcoming EU conference represents a critical juncture for Syria, as the interim government seeks to address the pressing humanitarian issues and navigate a challenging political landscape following Assad’s ousting. It aims to secure international support amidst ongoing violence and economic distress. Furthermore, the conference symbolizes hope for rebuilding inclusive governance structures as Syria faces severe needs for humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
