(CLO) Western powers, including Germany, France, the US and the UK, are actively establishing contact with the new Syrian government, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
German diplomats are scheduled to meet HTS representatives in Damascus on December 17, focusing on Syria’s transition and the protection of minorities. Germany is also considering the possibility of reestablishing a diplomatic presence in Syria, while closely monitoring HTS’s activities.
France is also joining the effort and plans to send a delegation to Syria to liaise with the new government and pledge support for the Syrian people during the transition period. French special envoy for Syria, Jean-Francois Guillaume, said France wants a peaceful transition for Syria.
The US is also engaged in diplomatic efforts involving the new Syrian government, albeit cautiously. Despite having held meetings with HTS representatives in the past week, Washington continues to maintain a skeptical stance toward the group, which is still considered a terrorist organization with roots in al-Qaeda.
Image of the new flag of Syria. Photo: Wiki
The UK is also engaging in diplomatic efforts with the new Syrian government, but with caution. The British government sent a diplomatic mission to Damascus in late December to meet with officials of the HTS-appointed interim government. This is part of the UK’s strategy to establish channels of communication with the new Syrian government after the fall of the Assad regime.
The moves by Western nations come as Syria enters a new political phase after 13 years of war. While there is no denying the instability in the country, the West does not want to miss the opportunity to build relationships and prevent chaos from arising. Western officials stress the need to maintain stability and avoid Syria being divided or resurgent like other regions, such as Iraq and Libya.
However, the West still has concerns about the existence of extremist elements in the new Syrian government, especially HTS's links to al-Qaeda. The new Syrian government, while not yet announcing details of its next steps, has pledged to protect the rights of women and minorities and is seeking international support in rebuilding the country.
In this context, negotiations with HTS could pave the way for easing sanctions on Syria, and Western countries are preparing for further steps to promote a political transition within the framework of the United Nations.
Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters, France 24, Arab News)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phuong-tay-mo-rong-quan-he-voi-gioi-lanh-dao-moi-cua-syria-post326069.html
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