Syria’s interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, expressed that ties to Russia and Iran are painful reminders of Assad’s regime as the country seeks to rebuild after the civil war. He called for the lifting of Western sanctions to aid reconstruction and emphasized the new government’s desire to restore international relations. Al-Shibani’s background as a rebel leader reflects the complexities of Syria’s transition.
Syria’s interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, stated that the ties between Russia and Iran with Bashar Assad have left an enduring scar for the Syrian people following the civil war. Speaking during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, he noted some positive indicators from both countries but emphasized the desire for Syria to mend relations with the West and lift economic sanctions to facilitate rebuilding after 14 years of conflict.
Al-Shibani declared, “Syria has recovered its freedom and dignity” and called for a new era of peace and reconstruction. His presence at the summit indicates a shift for the former rebels aiming to solidify international connections, particularly considering past rivalries with Gulf nations like Qatar and Turkey, who had supported them during the conflict.
The UAE has been pivotal in renewing ties, reopening its embassy in Syria in 2018 and hosting Assad in 2022. After Assad’s ouster, UAE officials were initially reticent about his whereabouts, later confirming his escape to Russia where he found refuge with support from Putin, a long-time ally.
A pressing issue for al-Shibani includes the U.S. and EU sanctions, which are estimated to hinder the reconstruction needs of at least $250 billion amidst staggering poverty rates in Syria. He argued, “It’s only natural to lift” these sanctions as they were imposed due to the regime’s oppressive actions.
Having participated in the 2011 protests that sparked the Arab Spring, al-Shibani has a unique background as a former member of militant groups. In December, he was appointed as Syria’s interim foreign minister following the rebels’ successful campaign against Assad’s longstanding rule. The interim government’s past affiliations raise concerns among Western powers regarding legitimacy, especially under President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Al-Shibani also mentioned that the government has successfully addressed security issues, including the Captagon trade, which previously affected relations with Jordan. However, concerns linger regarding continued Russian and Iranian influence, with both nations maintaining strategic interests in Syria. He stated, “Syrian people have wounds and pain that they suffered at the hands of these two countries” and called for a relationship that the people could accept.
Asaad al-Shibani’s remarks at the World Governments Summit indicate a complex transition in Syrian governance post-Assad. He highlighted the need for improved ties with the West, emphasizing the humanitarian impact of sanctions amid ongoing local dissatisfaction with Russian and Iranian ties. The interim foreign minister’s past affiliations and the new government’s challenges underscore the delicate geopolitical landscape as Syria seeks to rebuild and redefine its international relationships.
Original Source: apnews.com
