German Foreign Minister Calls on Damascus to Ensure Security for All Syrians

Erbil (Kurdistan 24) — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called on the Syrian government to guarantee security and stability for all Syrians, following violent clashes that claimed the lives of at least 1,500 people.

Ahead of her scheduled visit to Damascus, Baerbock stated that the recent violence has severely undermined confidence in the Syrian authorities. "Many Syrians fear that life in the future Syria will not be safe for all its citizens," she said in a statement.

Baerbock stressed the responsibility of the Syrian interim government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, to maintain control over armed groups within its ranks. She urged the government to prosecute those responsible for the recent wave of violence and ensure long-term peace and prosperity throughout the war-torn country.

"This is the enormous task facing the Syrian interim government under Sharaa's leadership," Baerbock said.

A Dark Chapter of Violence

The Syrian coast witnessed one of the deadliest episodes of violence in recent years, following incidents that began on March 6. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, security forces and affiliated groups killed over 1,500 civilians, most of whom belonged to the Alawite minority, to which the ousted president Bashar al-Assad belonged.

Baerbock emphasized that her visit would serve as an opportunity to convey to Syrian authorities that any future improvement in relations between Syria and Europe, particularly Germany, would be contingent on ensuring freedom and safety for all Syrians, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, or ethnicity.

Opposition to Islamist Governance

During a previous visit to Syria on January 3, Baerbock issued a stern warning against the establishment of an Islamist government in the wake of Assad’s downfall. "Europe will support Syria’s transition, but we will not finance new Islamist structures," she declared.

She underscored the necessity of protecting women's rights, calling them a key indicator of human rights progress. Baerbock also urged Syria’s neighbors to respect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kurdish Security Integral to Syrian Peace

Reaffirming her stance, Baerbock highlighted the importance of Kurdish security in achieving lasting peace. "The security of the Kurds is essential for a peaceful Syria," she said. She further called for an end to hostilities in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) and advocated for the integration of Kurdish forces into Syria's security framework.

Baerbock's statements ahead of her discussions in Damascus highlight Germany's dedication to fostering a peaceful transition in Syria, emphasizing the protection of all communities, in a post-Assad era.