Saudi Arabia will host foreign ministers from Arab and European nations for talks concerning Syria’s transition post-Assad. The two-part meetings will focus on governmental support and potential sanctions relief, with participation from U.S. officials and confirmation from Turkish and German ministers. This follows prior discussions on Syria’s future held in Jordan.
Saudi Arabia is set to convene foreign ministers from various Arab nations and European countries on Sunday to discuss the future of Syria following the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad. A Saudi official indicated that there will be two significant meetings: the first among Arab states and the second expanding to include representatives from countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Spain. The agenda will encompass broad discussions concerning support for Syria’s new government, as well as the potential easing of sanctions imposed on Assad’s regime following its violent suppression of protests since 2011.
Additionally, U.S. Under Secretary of State John Bass is scheduled to participate in this multilateral forum aimed at coordinating international assistance for the Syrian populace. Mr. Bass, who has recently held discussions in Turkey regarding Syria, will join other confirmed attendees including the Turkish and German foreign ministers. This gathering follows last month’s talks on post-Assad Syria that took place in Jordan. The Syrian transitional government has been actively advocating for the removal of sanctions, which have heavily impacted Syria following over 13 years of brutal conflict resulting in significant loss of life and mass displacement of civilians.
The ongoing Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 amidst a wave of democratic protests against the Assad regime, has resulted in severe humanitarian crises and widespread social instability. Over half a million people have lost their lives, and millions more have been displaced, creating significant challenges for neighboring regions and Europe. In response to the violence, Western powers imposed economic sanctions against the Syrian government. As the situation evolves with the transitional government in Damascus now in place, international discussions are increasingly focused on rebuilding efforts and the possibility of lifting sanctions.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s upcoming meetings reflect continued international engagement concerning Syria’s future after the long-standing leadership of Bashar al-Assad. High-level discussions with foreign ministers from both Arab and European nations will address crucial issues such as governmental support and sanctions. With a backdrop of over a decade of conflict, the meetings aim to lay the groundwork for Syria’s recovery and the welfare of its people while exploring cooperative international efforts.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
