French and German diplomats seek fresh start with new Syrian leaders

RFI

3 January 2025 at 5:39 am·1-min read

Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani), leader of Syria's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that headed a lightning rebel offensive snatching Damascus from government control, addresses a crowd at the 8th-century Umayyad Mosque on 8 December, 2024.

France and Germany's foreign ministers are in Damascus for talks with Syrian de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the highest-level Western visit since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad last month.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in the Syrian capital on Friday for his first visit.

“In the coming weeks, depending on how security conditions evolve, we will gradually prepare the arrangements for re-establishing the French presence here in Damascus,” he said.

Barrot is joined by his German counterpart Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, for talks on behalf of the European Union.

The two top diplomats are due to meet Ahmed al-Sharaa – leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that toppled Assad in early December.

The HTS-led interim authorities face the challenge of rebuilding state institutions while addressing international calls for an inclusive transition and safeguarding minority rights.

A fragile transition

Speaking at the French embassy in Damascus, Barrot said: “Just under a month ago, a new hope arose thanks to the mobilisation of Syrians” – describing this hope for a “sovereign, stable and peaceful Syria” as real but fragile.

Baerbock called the visit a clear signal that a “political new beginning” with Europe is possible but stressed that Syrian society must guarantee all people, regardless of ethnic or religious group, “a place in the political process” as well as rights and protection.

Since Assad’s removal, foreign delegations have travelled to Damascus to engage with the new leadership.

Australian Associated Press
Australia likely to steer clear of Trump tariffs: Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has held one-on-one talks for the first time with newly sworn-in US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Australian Associated Press
Wounded Djokovic thrives on more drama at the Open
Novak Djokovic says he's become accustomed to dealing with controversy and drama during Australian Open campaigns as he chases an 11th Melbourne Park crown.
Australian Associated Press
Police zero in on second man over synagogue attack
A man accused of trying to set fire to a synagogue is due to face court as leaders hail a "big breakthrough" after a spate of anti-Semitic attacks.
Australian Associated Press
US PGA has created tour within the tour: Jason Day
Australia's former world No.1 Jason Day says the US PGA has effectively created a tour within the tour by introducing eight Signature Events.
Australian Associated Press
Tour leader Welsford crashes at start of stage two
Australian cycling star and Tour Down Under race leader Sam Welsford was caught in a crash on Wednesday morning at the start of stage two.
Australian Associated Press
Tax changes ruled out as treasurer launches food fight
Cost of living remains a major focus of the upcoming federal election, with each party spruiking policies to address pressure on household budgets.
Australian Associated Press
Accused teen machete attacker's infamy with young crims
A teen was on four sets of bail when he allegedly slashed a man with a machete, accused of attacking a nurse, bringing a knife to school and carjackings.
Australian Associated Press
Trump strips security detail from former adviser Bolton
Donald Trump has removed the Secret Service protection that was provided to his former national security adviser who was the target of an Iranian murder plot.
Australian Associated Press
Comeback star Badosa undaunted by first slam semi task
Close friends Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka will square off in a much-anticipated Australian Open semi-final.
Australian Associated Press
Trump pardons Silk Road founder of online drug website
Donald Trump has made good on his promise to pardon Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, an underground website for selling drugs.
Australian Associated Press
Norman dares golf megastars Woods, McIlroy to debate
Greg Norman says he'd love to debate megastars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy about LIV Golf's benefits for them and the sport.
Australian Associated Press
Alcaraz regrets letting Djokovic off the hook
Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz must wait another year to try to complete a career slam after losing his Australian Open quarter-final.
Australian Associated Press
Liverpool perfect but Barca keep top spot battle alive
Liverpool are into the Champions League last 16 after seven wins while Barcelona are also assured of advancing after winning a 5-4 thriller agaist Benfica.
Australian Associated Press
Knives should be locked up in retailers, union says
A union is calling for all retailers to keep knives under lock and key after a supermarket worker was allegedly stabbed by a teenager.
Australian Associated Press
Trump says he could sanction Russia over Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged European leaders to do more to defend his nation as Donald Trump says he might impose sanctions on Russia.
Australian Associated Press
Djokovic outlasts Alcaraz in Australian Open classic
Novak Djokovic is just two wins away from claiming a record-breaking 25th major title after downing Carlos Alcaraz in an epic Australian Open quarter-final.
Australian Associated Press
Once-in-a-generation call for sexual assault justice
A proposed shake-up of sexual assault trials would give victims independent legal representation in an effort to reduce costs and ensure a fair process.
Australian Associated Press
US bishop pleads for mercy for LGBTQI people, migrants
Donald Trump has criticised a service at the Washington National Cathedral after a bishop appealed to him to show mercy to the LGBTQI community and migrants.
Australian Associated Press
Gilmore, Florence opt out of fulltime WSL campaigns
Australia's eight-time surfing world champion Stephanie Gilmore won't be back to compete fulltime on the WSL Championship Tour this year.
Australian Associated Press
PM 'reluctant' to detail foreign actors terror claim
Anthony Albanese is reluctant to give detail about claims overseas actors are paying locals to carry out anti-Semitic attacks, as investigations are ongoing.

A fragile transition

Latest stories