Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani Visits Syria to Support Transition After Assad's Ouster and Calls for EU Sanctions Review

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is set to visit Syria on Friday. His aim is to support the country's transition after President Bashar Assad was ousted by Islamist insurgents. Tajani believes Europe should reassess its sanctions on Damascus due to the changed political landscape.

During a meeting in Rome, Tajani led discussions with foreign ministry officials from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. He also spoke with counterparts from Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The focus was on coordinating post-Assad initiatives, with Italy proposing private investments in Syrian healthcare.

Sanctions and Political Changes

Tajani highlighted the need for the European Union to consider revising its sanctions on Syria. "It's an issue that should be discussed because Assad isn't there anymore, it's a new situation, and I think that the encouraging signals that are arriving should be further encouraged," he stated.

Syria has faced severe sanctions from the US, EU, and others for years due to Assad's harsh crackdown on protests that began in 2011. These protests escalated into a civil war, resulting in approximately 500,000 deaths.

Human Rights Concerns

In discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European counterparts, Tajani stressed the importance of equal rights for all Syrians. This includes concerns about Christians and other minorities under Syria's new de facto authorities, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the US and UN.

"The first messages from Damascus have been positive. That's why I'm going there tomorrow, to encourage this new phase that will help stabilise the international situation," Tajani remarked.

US Policy Adjustments

The US has gradually eased some sanctions since Assad left Syria for Russia. In December, the Biden administration removed a $10 million bounty on a Syrian rebel leader whose forces played a key role in Assad's ouster.

HTS led a swift insurgency that removed Assad on December 8, ending his family's long-standing rule. The new Syrian leadership has been urged to uphold minority and women's rights. Many Syrian Christians fled or supported Assad due to fears of Islamist insurgents.

Italy is prepared to propose initiatives focusing on healthcare investments for Syrians. Tajani emphasised recognising equal rights for all citizens as crucial during talks with international leaders.