Three months after the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday. The embassy, which had been closed in 2012 at the beginning of the civil war, was officially reopened by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Although a small number of German diplomats will resume their activities in Damascus, consular work, including visa issuances, will continue in Beirut in neighboring Lebanon.

Baerbock’s visit to Syria marks a significant step in rebuilding relations between Berlin and Damascus, which faces humanitarian and security challenges as it attempts to rebuild after the collapse of Assad’s regime. More than a million Syrians who fled their homeland during the civil war currently live in Germany.

During her visit, Baerbock planned to meet with Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and representatives of civil society organizations. The visit comes two weeks after violent clashes between Assad loyalists and new government forces killed hundreds of people. Baerbock condemned the targeted killings of civilians and called on the transitional government to hold those responsible accountable.

Baerbock reiterated Germany’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Syria and signaled a possible easing of sanctions, but only under certain conditions. She emphasized that a new political beginning between Europe and Syria would require clear commitments to ensure freedom, security, and equal opportunities for all Syrians, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-reopens-embassy-in-syria-after-13-year-closure/a-71985073?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf