German Foreign Minister Analene Baerbock will visit Syria for the second time today since its long-time president Bashar al-Assad was overthrown three months ago, DPA reported, BTA reports.
Baerbock is expected to arrive in Damascus this morning for talks with the Syrian transitional government and representatives of civil society. Details of the visit are being kept secret for security reasons.
The visit comes just two weeks after fierce clashes in northwestern Syria that have killed hundreds of people.
Before departing Beirut, Baerbock strongly condemned the “targeted killing of civilians“ during the recent clashes, calling them a “horrible crime“ that has undermined mutual trust. Despite the tensions, she stressed Germany's commitment to continuing to provide humanitarian aid to Syria and hinted at a possible easing of sanctions if certain conditions were met.
“A new political beginning is possible between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria“, said Berbock, stressing that this requires a clear commitment to ensuring freedom, security and equal opportunities for all Syrians, regardless of gender, ethnicity and religion.
Bashar Assad ruled Syria for more than two decades. After a lightning offensive by the Islamist group “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham“ late last year, he fled to Russia. Since then, a new transitional government and interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa have been working to restore security and revive the country's economy.