France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock emerged from talks with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, stressing their hopes that he will construct a more inclusive society than previous ruler Bashar-al Assad.
The pair – the first ministers from the EU to travel to the Syrian capital since al-Sharaa's forces seized control on 8 December – held talks with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) chief at the People’s Palace in Damascus on Friday.
Baerbock said she and Barrot had made clear that Europe would support a new Syria. "But Europe will not be a financier of Islamist structures,” she added.
HTS remains for many western governments part of the international terrorist network even though it has tried to renounce its affiliations with al-Qaida.
Baerbock said all Syrians — regardless of ethnic or religious group — must have a place in the political process as well as rights and protection.
"I have heard from Syrians often that women’s rights are a yardstick for the future for everyone in a free society," Baerbock said. "Not only us but many Syrians will therefore judge the new rulers by their actions.
"Germany wants to help Syria become a safe home for all its people and a functioning state, with full control over its territory.”
Before meeting al-Sharaa, Barrot called for the destruction of the chemical weapons stockpiles built up by Assad's regime. He also urged a political solution with the Kurds in the north of the country.
Despite the list of suggestions, Baerbock and Barrot were at pains to highlight what Baerbock hailed as a political new beginning for Syria and Europe after insurgents swept through the country to topple Assad.
Opening
On Saturday, the Syrian news agency SANA reported the reopening of Damascus airport.
Quoting Achhad Al-Salibi, head of Syria's Civil Aviation and Air Transport Authority, it said international flights to and from Damascus would resume on Tuesday.
Commercial services were suspended following the HTS takeover of power following 13 years of civil war.
More than 500,000 people are estimated to have died during the conflict which aslso left millions displaced.
The new authorities have asked for sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad to be lifted so that reconstruction can begin. That request is likely to be agreed as diplomatic missions return to the capital.
Syrian asylum seekers in limbo as European countries suspend claims
On Friday, Barrot said the French government would start the process for the formal return of the French embassy in Damascus.
“In the coming weeks, depending on how security conditions evolve, we will gradually prepare the arrangements for re-establishing the French presence here in Damascus,” he said.
A fragile transition
Speaking at the French embassy compound, Barrot added: “A little less than a month ago, new hope was born thanks to the mobilisation of Syrians. It was the hope of a sovereign, stable and peaceful Syria
"It is a real hope, but it is a fragile hope.”
(with newswires)
