Syria’s Neighbors Call for Sanction Lifting and National Reconciliation
Jordan’s meeting of foreign ministers from Syria’s neighbors called for lifting sanctions and post-war reconciliation amidst ongoing violence in Syria. Key discussions addressed the need for dialogue among various regional factions and cooperation against terrorist threats, emphasizing the urgency of rebuilding Syria’s economy after years of conflict.
On Sunday, Jordan hosted a meeting of foreign ministers from neighboring countries of Syria to address issues of security, reconstruction, and the voluntary return of Syrian refugees. The discussions emerged in response to ongoing violence and sectarian attacks in Syria’s coastal region, particularly involving clashes related to the ousted President Bashar Assad’s loyalists. Different regions were affected, with significant unrest reported in Al-Janoudiya, west of Idlib, where local security forces have faced severe casualties.
The meeting included the Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and his counterparts from Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. The ministers collectively urged for the lifting of Western-imposed sanctions on Syria while advocating for post-war reconciliation measures. This gathering took place amid escalating conflict between Syrian security forces and insurgents from the Alawite minority loyal to the former regime, resulting in numerous casualties according to human rights groups, though exact death tolls remain unverified.
In addition to requesting sanctions relief, the discussions highlighted the dire economic situation in Syria, where around 90% of the population lives below the poverty line after years of civil war. Political change that ensures a democratic and inclusive governance structure is a condition expressed by the United States and Europe for lifting these sanctions. Al-Shibani affirmed their commitment to protecting all segments of the Syrian population without discrimination.
The newly-established Islamist governing authorities, under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, are under pressure to rebuild the country, fostering relations particularly with the Kurds and Druze to consolidate state authority. Concerns about regional stability have been articulated by Syria’s neighbors, who fear that the ongoing internal turmoil could have repercussions beyond its borders.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein emphasized the need for dialogue among Syria’s diverse groups as a prerequisite for stability. The ministers also critiqued foreign interference in regional affairs, particularly condemning recent Israeli military operations in southern Syria. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Fidan described the joint meeting as historic, promoting cooperation to mitigate tensions and combat the threat of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and its affiliates.
The meeting of foreign ministers in Jordan emphasizes the critical stance neighboring countries take regarding sanctions on Syria and the urgent need for reconstruction. While there is a recognized necessity for diplomatic dialogue to stabilize Syria, concerns over regional security threats, such as the resurgence of the Islamic State, remain prominent. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis showcase the complexities surrounding post-war reconciliation and the political future of Syria.
Original Source: apnews.com
