LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Global Community Pledges to Assist Syria's Political Transition
During a conference in Paris, Western, Arab, and European countries committed to backing a Syrian-led government following Assad's rule, including assistance and the easing of sanctions.
14 February 2025 · 09:08 UTC
This meeting, marking the third of its kind since the regime’s change, culminated in the signing of a declaration by Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and G7 members Canada and Japan, affirming their dedication to a transition process led by Syrians.
While a representative from the United States participated in the conference, the US chose not to sign the declaration.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that the European Union is working towards swiftly lifting sanctions that were imposed on the former Assad regime, asserting that these measures should not impede Syria’s recovery and rebuilding.
Barrot also emphasized that international assistance would focus on aiding the new government in its fight against extremism and preventing the reemergence of terrorist organizations, a sentiment echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who highlighted that combating groups like the Islamic State remains a key priority.
Syria’s interim foreign minister revealed that a new government is set to be established on March first, with interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously a rebel linked to an al-Qaida-associated group, assuring the global community of his severance from past ties.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani stated that the new government will aim to reflect the nation’s diversity by encompassing all segments of Syrian society as well as the diaspora.
The declaration also proposes the creation of a United Nations working group to coordinate relief efforts.
Moreover, France has committed fifty million euros in aid to Syria for the year 2025.