EU assessing possible contact with HTS group in Syria based on actions, words

BRUSSELS

The EU has not yet established contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – a leading group in the downfall of Syria’s Assad regime, but one also on the bloc’s official list of terrorist groups – and will consider both its statements and actions before making any decisions, a spokesman said on Monday.

Asked about the EU’s stance on engaging with HTS, Anouar El Anouni, European Commission spokesperson, highlighted that the group and its affiliates remain classified as terrorist entities by the EU.

"What I can say at this stage is that a lifting under the EU terrorist list is not planned currently. As HTS takes on greater responsibilities, we will need to assess not just their words, but also their actions," he told a press briefing.

Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus early Sunday, signaling the collapse of the Baath Party regime, which had been in power in Syria since 1963.