UN Envoy Geir Pedersen warned the new caretaker regime in Syria against making mistakes that would imperil the country's transition after decades of dictatorship under Bashar al-Assad. He expressed concern over Israeli attacks on Syria, which he said endanger its territorial integrity and could jeopardize the prospects for an orderly political transition. The envoy welcomed efforts by new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to unify the country and dissolve armed groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, but cautioned against rushing the process. Pedersen also expressed concern over Israeli military action in the Golan Heights and beyond, citing reports of attacks on civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. He emphasized that decisions made now will determine Syria's future for a long time to come and urged the international community to "get the next phase right" to build a foundation for lasting peace and stability in Syria.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341732/un-warns-against-missteps-that-could-endanger-syria-transitionGermany is pushing for a relaxation of economic restrictions on Syria, proposing to ease financial transactions with the government and potentially lift sanctions on the energy and aviation sectors. This move comes after German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Damascus, becoming one of the top Western officials to do so since Assad's ousting. The EU is set to discuss Germany's proposals at a meeting in Brussels on January 27, with any changes requiring approval from all member states. The US has also announced additional sanctions relief for six months to facilitate access to basic services in Syria. However, the international community remains cautious due to concerns over the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's influence and its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's position as de facto leader of the Syrian government.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341524/germany-pushes-eu-to-ease-sanctions-on-syriaSyria's new Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani has been establishing diplomatic ties with regional and global governments. He recently visited Qatar, where he met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Sunday. This is part of an effort by Syria's de facto authorities under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to develop strategic partnerships and support the country's security and economic recovery. Al-Shibani also plans to visit Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as part of this initiative, having already met with his Saudi counterpart in Riyadh on Thursday.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/syrias-foreign/7FMP2YDXAVD6LNBAKTVX3VJ5YM/German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Syria on behalf of the European Union, meeting with de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus. The trip aimed to send a message of cautious optimism to Islamist rebels led by Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), urging moderation and respect for minority rights. Baerbock emphasized that Syria's new rulers would be judged by their actions, while Barrot expressed hope for a "sovereign and safe" Syria free from terrorism and foreign interference. The EU ministers also offered technical assistance to help draft a new constitution and called for a permanent ceasefire.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/german-french-ministers-hold-talks-with-syrias-new-leaders-for-closer-ties-with-eu-13849710.htmlFrench Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock are visiting Damascus in the first official visit by top European Union diplomats to Syria since the fall of President Bashar Assad. The trip is seen as a signal that a "new beginning" between Europe and Syria is possible, with the ministers aiming to promote a peaceful transition in the country. They plan to meet with Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former insurgent group now ruling de facto in Syria. Baerbock emphasized that for a "political new beginning" between Europe and Syria to occur, the new Syrian society must give all people equal rights and protection, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
https://www.voanews.com/a/french-and-german-foreign-ministers-visit-syria/7922980.html