Syria’s Interim Government Participates in EU Aid Conference Amid Uncertainty
Syria’s interim government will participate in an EU aid conference amidst ongoing humanitarian crises and a political transition following Assad’s fall. The conference aims to secure pledges for aid as violence persists, while EU officials express hope for new beginnings in Syrian governance.
Syria’s interim government will attend an EU-hosted aid conference in Brussels to address the humanitarian crisis and the political transition following Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This marks a significant shift as previous conferences from 2017 excluded Assad’s government due to its role in the ongoing civil war.
After the fall of Assad in December, EU officials are optimistic for a new beginning despite recent violence between Islamist rulers and Assad loyalists. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the severe needs in Syria, highlighting a recent agreement from March 10 to involve Kurdish-led and US-backed forces into new state frameworks.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group that took down Assad, is recognized as a terrorist organization by the UN. Nevertheless, EU officials remain committed to engaging with Syria’s new leadership, conditional upon their promise of an inclusive and peaceful transition.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is among the attendees, alongside European and Arab ministers and representatives of international agencies. The conference holds significance as the U.S. is reducing humanitarian aid funding under the current administration.
Last year’s conference generated 7.5 billion euros in aid, with the EU promising 2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025. Currently, approximately 16.5 million Syrians require humanitarian aid, with 12.9 million needing food assistance. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the economic crisis, severely impacting the Syrian pound and pushing nearly the entire population into poverty.
The EU aid conference marks a pivotal moment for Syria’s interim government as it aims to gather necessary humanitarian aid amid a precarious political landscape. With significant needs and recent violence, there is cautious optimism for a fresh start post-Assad, provided that the new leadership commits to an inclusive transition. The imminent aid figures and EU’s continued assistance remain crucial for addressing the dire humanitarian situation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
