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| Germany will not fund ‘Islamists’ in Syria: FM interviewed |
| 2025-03-30 |
| [Rudaw] Germany will not provide funding for “Islamists” in Syria, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Rudaw in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, emphasizing that Berlin’s support for the new leadership in Damascus depends on the country’s leading a democratic and inclusive political process. “Germany and Europe are not prepared to provide funding for Islamists. This is our clear message. We are ready to help them lift sanctions for reconstruction, but there must be a political process in which all parties and all actors participate,” Baerbock said. In December, a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. In late January, Sharaa was appointed as Syria’s interim president and pledged commitment to an inclusive political process. Baerbock remarked on Wednesday, “We have heard many good words [from the new leadership in Damascus], but words and talk alone are not enough. If it's just talk, without action, Syria will continue to be in crisis, and our assistance depends on these principles.” Last week, Baerbock led a high-profile delegation to Damascus, where she met with Sharaa and oversaw the reopening of Germany’s embassy after a 13-year diplomatic hiatus. She then emphasized that Germany is monitoring developments in Syria, and “has a paramount interest in a stable Syria.” On Wednesday, the German foreign minister told Rudaw that during her trip to Syria, she told the new leadership in Damascus “clearly,” that if things advance “in the wrong direction, we will not support it.” Germany is also a key member of the global coalition to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS). Baerbock told Rudaw that she had asked the interim Syrian government in Damascus, “very clearly, why don't you become part of the anti-ISIS coalition?” Although Baerbock was keen on visiting northeast Syria (Rojava) during her Syria trip, she told Rudaw she couldn’t due to security concerns. However, she praised the Kurds in Rojava who “were able to protect their security and forced ISIS to retreat.” She urged Kurdish parties there to “decide which path to take,” and “in unity, make a joint decision to take this path together.” The following is the full transcript of the discussion with Baerbock. Interview can be read at the link. Related: Annalena Baerbock 03/23/2025 Germany welcomes immigrants, but deports criminals: State minister interviewed Annalena Baerbock 03/22/2025 Ukrainian Perspective: Invasion of Ukraine: March 21, 2025 Annalena Baerbock 03/05/2025 United States suspends military aid to Ukraine and impotent childish Eurotards lose their minds and say a lot of foolish things |
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