The fall of the dictatorial regime of Bashir al-Assad has forced the European Union to review its long-standing policy in Syria. The European Union is not in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel force that led the offensive that toppled the dictatorial regime of President Bashir al-Assad in Syria, but is willing to review its position as the transition of power move forward. This was announced to the international media by a spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
"The European Union is not currently engaging with HTS or its leaders. Complete disruption. As HTS assumes greater responsibilities, we will have to evaluate not only their words, but also their actions," the spokesperson stated.
HTS, whose name stands for "Organization for the Liberation of the Levant," is an Islamist militant group that previously declared its allegiance to al-Qaeda before severing ties in 2016. Under the leadership of Abu Muhammad al-Jolani , the group has tried to gain greater legitimacy and promote pluralism, but remains plagued by allegations of human rights abuses, including executions for alleged blasphemy. and adultery.
"Our message to all the sects of Syria is that we tell them that Syria is for everyone," a senior HTS commander told state television after Assad's ouster.
HTS and al-Jolani have been blacklisted for terrorism by the United Nations since 2014, a designation followed by all 27 EU countries, the EEAS spokesman added. In practice, this means a freeze on assets and a ban on securing funds and economic resources.
But the fall of Assad's rule, in which HTS played a key role, is forcing Western allies to rethink their official line. The British government earlier on Monday indicated the possibility of removing the Islamic group from the list of banned organizations.
Syria's years-long civil war saw the emergence of multiple factions against the Assad dictatorship, including the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA); the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the United States; and Al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, which later evolved into HTS.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's policy chief, says she is in contact with all "constructive partners" inside Syria, without specifying which ones. The spokesman said diplomatic contacts would remain confidential for the time being.
"We call on all actors to avoid any further violence, ensure the protection of civilians and uphold international law, including international humanitarian law. We especially demand the protection of members of all minorities," Kallas said in a statement. on monday.
"It is imperative that all stakeholders engage in a comprehensive, Syrian-led dialogue on all key issues to ensure an orderly, peaceful and inclusive transition."
As the situation continues to evolve on the ground, Brussels faces the crucial question of how to deal with Syria, a country with which it has had no official relations since May 2011 due to Assad's forces' brutal crackdown on opposition groups.
In her statement, Kallas did not announce any immediate changes to long-standing EU policy on Syria, such as sanctions. The first debate will be on December 16, when foreign ministers from the bloc are scheduled to meet Kallas in Brussels.
Meanwhile, the EEAS and the European Commission are coordinating their work on diplomacy, security, economy, migration and development and humanitarian aid in relation to Syria, the spokesman said.
Migration will inevitably be high in the political conversation. The UNCHR estimates that European countries host over one million Syrian asylum seekers and refugees, with 59% of them settled in Germany alone, but Sweden, Austria, Greece, the Netherlands and France also have significant Syrian populations.
Meanwhile, Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark and Norway have announced the suspension of asylum applications for Syrians, along with Sweden, which will also suspend deportation decisions. (A2 Televizion)
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