Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister, is attending a Paris conference aimed at coordinating international support for Syria’s political transition after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The conference will involve representatives from the Group of 7, Turkey, and Arab nations, addressing concerns about governance and economic reconstruction amid easing sanctions.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani is set to participate in a Paris conference focused on Syria’s political transition after the Islamist-led rebels seized power from Bashar al-Assad in December. This visit marks his first official engagement in Europe since attending the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year. Representatives from the Group of 7, Turkey, and various Arab states will also be present to address security and economic issues related to Syria’s reconstruction.
The conference’s objectives include protecting Syria from destabilizing foreign influences, coordinating aid efforts, and communicating important messages to the newly formed government in Syria. Concern exists among Western nations about how the new leadership will address religious freedoms, women’s rights, and the treatment of the Kurdish minority living in the northeastern region.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to address the conference attendees at its commencement, which is scheduled for 1330 GMT. The interim Syrian government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to assure both Syrians and the global community of its commitment to respect minority rights and distance itself from past jihadist affiliations.
In pursuit of economic recovery after years of civil conflict, the new authorities have been advocating for the lifting of Western sanctions, particularly in the financial sector. Recent discussions among EU foreign ministers have pointed toward easing restrictions, with Shaibani previously expressing satisfaction with the EU’s decision to temporarily suspend sanctions against Syria.
Shaibani has indicated that a new government will be established next month to better represent Syria’s diversity, moving away from the interim cabinet. There has been a notable influx of international diplomats visiting since the start of the year to engage with the new leadership. Syria’s ongoing war has resulted in significant human costs, with more than half a million fatalities and millions displaced since 2011.
The upcoming Paris conference is a crucial platform for discussing Syria’s political transition post-Assad era, with a focus on international cooperation, aid coordination, and addressing concerns regarding governance. The participation of various nations, including those from the Group of 7 and Arab states, indicates a collective effort to stabilize and rebuild Syria amidst challenging circumstances. The new government’s commitment to minority rights and economic recovery will be key elements in the discussions ahead.
Original Source: www.france24.com
