The European Union is prepared to reconsider sanctions against Syria if the country’s new leadership demonstrates “positive steps” toward forming an inclusive government and upholding the rights of women and minorities, stated EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Numerous EU foreign ministers, including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, are gathering for a meeting in Brussels focused primarily on the Middle East, particularly regarding the downfall of the Assad regime in Syria, along with Russia’s persistent assaults on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Mr. Martin is expected to inform his colleagues about Israel’s recent decision to close its embassy in Ireland, which was revealed yesterday afternoon.
This marks the inaugural meeting of foreign ministers led by Kaja Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia, who takes over from Josep Borrell as the EU’s foreign policy chief.
Ms. Kallas remarked that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham would be evaluated based on its actions in Syria.
Ms. Kallas mentioned that she had dispatched a senior diplomat to engage with officials from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction that has recently claimed control in Damascus after ousting Bashar al-Assad just over a week ago.
Mr. Assad fled to Russia last week amid a rebel assault that led to the capture of the capital on December 8.
The removal of Mr. Assad has presented the 27-nation European Union and other foreign powers with pressing questions regarding how to approach Syria’s new leaders.
On one hand, EU leaders have welcomed Mr. Assad’s exit, having long condemned his governance and enforced extensive sanctions on Syria in response.
Conversely, they face the challenge of addressing HTS, which the United Nations has designated as a terrorist entity.
The group was affiliated with al-Qaeda until it cut ties with the jihadist network in 2016.
In 2020, the EU accused HTS of unlawfully detaining, torturing, and executing civilians in areas under its control, suggesting these actions could constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.
“We want to see no extremism, no radicalisation,” Ms. Kallas stated, noting that while HTS has been “saying the right things,” it will ultimately be assessed based on its actions.
Ms. Kallas indicated she had inquired with EU ministers about their willingness to adjust sanctions policies if they observed “positive steps—not just words, but actual actions and deeds” from the new leadership.
“We need to be prepared … with a plan ready when we see those steps … to respond positively in this regard to assist Syria’s development,” she stated.
The Tánaiste emphasized that recent developments in the Middle East should not overshadow the crisis in Gaza.
Current EU sanctions encompass prohibitions on arms exports to Syria and oil imports from the country, in addition to restrictions on investment in the Syrian oil sector and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the EU.
Ms. Kallas has indicated her desire to maintain close communication with regional stakeholders, particularly Turkey and Israel.
Additionally, diplomats have suggested that Ms. Kallas is eager to convene a meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council soon, allowing member states to directly address concerns regarding Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict.
It is also anticipated that there will be a concurrent high-level meeting with the Palestinian Authority.
In advance of the meeting, the Tánaiste underscored that recent developments in the Middle East should not divert foreign ministers’ attention from the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Micheál Martin stated he would advocate for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Additional reporting by Reuters
