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From Damascus, Germany’s Foreign Minister Calls for Effective Transitional Justice in Syria
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Annalena Baerbock’s statements reflect a German stance supporting Syria’s path towards national reconciliation, with a strong emphasis on respecting Syria's sovereignty and avoiding foreign interferen
During her visit to Syria on Thursday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged the establishment of effective transitional justice and warned against undermining efforts for internal Syrian reconciliation.
Baerbock stated, "Reconciliation in Syria is now urgently needed to transform the hopes and expectations of the people into reality," calling on "everyone to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid undermining internal Syrian reconciliation."
She pointed out that "foreign intervention in Syria has only brought chaos in the past, and Syria’s future must be decided by the Syrians themselves through their sovereign decision."
The German official also remarked that "the task of the transitional Syrian government under the leadership of Ahmad al-Shar’a will be difficult, and it is essential that there is effective transitional justice in Syria and accountability for the crimes of the Assad regime."
Baerbock explained that "the historic agreement with the Kurds shows that a unified Syria could become a reality." She arrived in Damascus on Thursday from Beirut, marking her second visit since the fall of the previous regime.
Syrian media reported that Baerbock visited the Jobar neighborhood in Damascus and observed the destruction caused by the previous regime's bombing. This visit coincides with the announcement by the German Foreign Ministry, through its envoy to Syria, Stefan Schenck, about the reopening of the German embassy in Damascus after a 13-year closure.
According to the Associated Press, Baerbock is set to hold talks in Damascus with the Syrian interim government and civil society representatives. This visit comes two weeks after deadly clashes in northwestern Syria, which led to the deaths of dozens.
Before leaving Beirut, Baerbock condemned "the targeted killing of civilians," calling it "a horrific crime," adding that these incidents had caused "a massive loss of trust," and she demanded that the Syrian interim government hold the perpetrators accountable for these crimes.
However, Baerbock reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to continuing humanitarian aid to Syria and easing sanctions further, "but only under specific conditions."
The outgoing minister expressed, "A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, and between Germany and Syria, is possible, but it also comes with clear expectations that freedom, security, and opportunities in Syria must apply to all people—women and men, and followers of all ethnicities and religions."
A few days ago, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced that Berlin had committed to providing 300 million euros in aid to Syria.
