Germany has launched a new aid initiative for Syria during an EU donor conference, marking the first attendance of Syrian officials. The EU is prioritizing urgent humanitarian assistance as the country faces a collapsing economy and widespread violence following Assad’s ouster. Germany has pledged an additional 300 million euros in aid, emphasizing the need for an inclusive political process to ensure Syria’s peaceful future.
On Monday, Germany initiated a new pledging round of humanitarian aid for Syria, coinciding with the EU hosting a donor conference addressing the crisis following the removal of Bashar al-Assad. For the first time, Syrian authorities, represented by interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani, will attend the annual meeting in Brussels, as reported by News.Az and other foreign media outlets.
Western and regional nations are eager to guide Syria towards stability after 14 years of civil unrest that has resulted in millions of refugees fleeing its borders. However, a recent escalation of violence—the gravest since Assad’s ousting in December—has shaken confidence in the newly formed Islamist-led governance.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized, “There can only be a peaceful future for Syria if there is an inclusive political process.” She revealed that Berlin would commit an additional 300 million euros in aid to the United Nations and other organizations assisting Syrian citizens both inside the country and in surrounding areas.
Historically, the EU has conducted its annual donor drive for Syria for the past eight years, primarily focusing on support for refugees in neighboring nations while avoiding engagement with the Assad regime. This year’s conference aims to augment financial resources to meet critical humanitarian requirements faced by Syrians and the regional refugee population.
Syria’s needs for aid are extensive, with significant portions of the nation in ruins and its economy severely impacted by prolonged international isolation stemming from Assad’s brutal crackdown on dissent that initiated the civil war in 2011. Currently, approximately 16.7 million people in Syria are estimated to require humanitarian assistance, as highlighted by the United Nations, which further projects that at prevailing growth rates, Syria would require over 50 years to return to its pre-war economic status.
In summary, Germany’s recent pledge to aid Syria marks a significant shift in the EU’s approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis following Bashar al-Assad’s removal. With the attendance of Syrian officials, there is a renewed focus on rebuilding and providing essential support amidst ongoing violence and a dire humanitarian situation affecting millions. The commitment of financial resources highlights the importance of international cooperation and a comprehensive political process to foster lasting peace and recovery in Syria.
Original Source: news.az
