Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani will attend a Paris conference on political transition after Islamist rebels seized power, marking a significant diplomatic milestone. The event will feature discussions on security and economic rebuilding. Concerns regarding the new leadership’s approach to rights and freedoms persist, amid recent easing of sanctions to support recovery efforts.
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is set to attend an international conference in Paris on political transition following the December takeover by Islamist-led rebels from President Bashar al-Assad. This marks his first official visit to Europe for discussions since attending the World Economic Forum in Davos in January.
Representatives from Turkey, backing the rebel group that ousted Assad, and several Gulf nations will also participate to address security and economic rebuilding initiatives in Syria. The Group of 7 nations—comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the U.S.—is expected to send delegates as well.
The conference will concentrate on shielding Syria from foreign interference, coordinating humanitarian aid, and communicating expectations to the new Syrian government. Concerns persist among Western governments regarding the new leadership’s commitment to religious freedom, women’s rights, and the treatment of the Kurdish minority in northeast Syria.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to address conference attendees, which is scheduled to start at approximately 1330 GMT. The interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa aims to assure both Syrians and the international community that it has distanced itself from extremist elements and will uphold minority rights.
Shaibani expressed hopes of U.S. and EU sanction relief to facilitate economic recovery after 14 years of civil strife, with the EU agreeing on January 27 to ease sanctions on key sectors like energy, to which Shaibani reacted positively, noting the EU’s decision to maintain a one-year suspension on sanctions.
A new government transition is on schedule for next month, taking over from the interim government formed after Assad’s removal, with a promise to represent the diverse Syrian populace. Since early 2025, the interim leader Sharaa has welcomed numerous international dignitaries, including foreign ministers from France, Germany, and Italy. Since 2011, Syria’s civil war has claimed over half a million lives and displaced millions.
The upcoming Paris conference signifies a crucial step in Syria’s political transition after a prolonged civil conflict. With assurances from the new leadership regarding minority rights and a commitment to distancing from jihadist elements, international stakeholders are cautiously optimistic. The easing of sanctions by both the EU and U.S. indicates a willingness to support Syria’s rebuilding efforts as it navigates this new phase and seeks stability for its citizens.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
