Europe to support Syrian economy, reconstruction, Germany says

BERLIN

Germany signaled strong European support for Syria's economic reconstruction and political transformation ahead of a major international donors' conference in Brussels on Monday.

In a statement released ahead of the meeting, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted both opportunities and challenges facing the country as it struggles to recover from over a decade of devastating civil war.

“Three and a half months after the fall of the Assad regime, the Syrian people find themselves incredibly close to a historic opportunity for a better, more peaceful future,” Baerbock said, while noting her concerns about recent sectarian violence in Syria's coastal region.

She said recent incidents of sectarian violence have led to widespread fears, both domestically and internationally, of returning to the past era of violence and instability.

“This makes it clear how urgent it is to take concrete steps towards political inclusion-for all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender,” Baerbock said, adding that the Syrian government should address recent violence and prevent further acts of revenge.

“Only if all population groups are sufficiently involved in the national transition process can Syria achieve long-term peace,” she stressed.

Baerbock underlined that the 9th international conference in support of Syria, hosted by the EU, will be an opportunity to meet with the representatives of the Syrian government, and discuss ways to support Syria’s economy.

“Rebuilding Syria politically, economically and socially is nothing less than a mammoth task. With the Syria conference in Brussels, we want to support the country on this rocky road,” Baerbock said.

“It is about not missing the chance for an inclusive political transition and at the same time preparing the ground for reconstruction measures and an improvement in the economic situation,” she continued.

“With the conference, the international community is making it clear that we will not leave the Syrians alone in this process.”