The European Union’s international coverage chief mentioned early indicators from Syrian insurgent forces had been “good” however that it was “too early” to make a verdict.
The transition of energy underway in Syria after the autumn of Bashar al-Assad shouldn’t flip into “revenge” and “retaliation” between opposing factions, urged Kaja Kallas, calling for the safety of minorities and freedom of faith.
“This is a giant concern as a result of we all know that there are such a lot of totally different teams in Syria,” Kallas mentioned Tuesday night whereas addressing a particular session of the European Parliament’s international affairs committee.
“The subsequent few weeks will certainly be essential to see if every part goes in the fitting path.”
In his first on-camera speech because the weekend’s extraordinary occasions, Kallas praised the Syrian individuals for his or her “historic achievements” and predicted that the transition would current “monumental challenges” for the war-torn nation and for the complete Middle East.
In explicit, the High Representative, who took workplace earlier this month, pointed the finger on the persistent dangers of sectarian violence, extremism, radicalisation, “weaponisation of faith” and terrorism, “all of which should be averted”.
“We should keep away from a repeat of the horrific situations of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan,” he mentioned.
“Secondly, the rights of all Syrians, together with these of many minority teams, should be protected. And thirdly, it’s essential to protect the territorial integrity of Syria and respect its independence, its sovereignty, in addition to the establishments state,” he added.
Regarding engagement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the insurgent power that spearheaded the offensive that toppled al-Assad’s dictatorial regime and positioned itself as a significant participant within the new political period, Kallas has walked a tightrope however admitted some progress.
HTS, whose title means “Organization for the Liberation of the Levant”, is an Islamic militant group that beforehand declared its allegiance to al-Qaeda earlier than severing ties in 2016. As a consequence, the UN and E.U. they listed HTS as a proscribed terrorist. group.
Although HTS and its chief, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, have sought to legitimize themselves by embracing pluralism and appointing a caretaker prime minister, they continue to be tormented by allegations of human rights abuses, together with alleged executions for blasphemy and adultery carried out below a restrictive interpretation . of Islamic legislation.
Mindful of the fragile stability, Kallas mentioned HTS will likely be judged “not by phrases however by deeds” and warned that it was “too early” to render a verdict.
“The first indicators are good, however we is not going to rush any form of settlement if we do not need certainties,” Kallas informed MEPs. “It is vital to keep up shut contacts with regional actors and all worldwide actors to assist Syria construct a traditional life.”
Due to the terrorist designation, EU officers can’t have direct contact with HTS representatives. The United States, for instance, is relying on Türkiye to convey messages about its Syria coverage. Kallas didn’t make clear whether or not he was doing the identical.
In current days, Kallas has been in touch, amongst others, together with her counterparts in Morocco, Lebanon, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Another query requested by MEPs and left unanswered is whether or not the EU intends to conduct a speedy evaluation of the laws multiple sanctions had imposed in opposition to the Assad regime, together with restrictions on weapons, oil, know-how and monetary transactions.
ANNOUNCEMENTBarry Andrews, a Liberal MP, steered that the sanctions exemption permitting humanitarian support flows needs to be expanded as a primary step.
During the hour-long session, the High Representative insisted that it’s “in everybody’s curiosity”, together with the EU and the Arab League, for Syria to prosper within the post-Assad period and never fall into one other civil battle or refugee disaster.
