The EU's foreign policy chief announced the bloc's readiness to provide financial assistance for Syria's reconstruction, but emphasized that the war must first subside and Russia must ensure that Bashar al-Assad's government participates seriously in UN-led peace negotiations. According to Reuters, Federica Mogherini, who will host an international conference on Syria in Brussels on April 23-24, stated that she is looking for ways to facilitate humanitarian aid and even reconstruction in Syria, a country that has witnessed foreign government conflicts and civil war in recent years, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of its citizens and the displacement of millions more. On Friday, February 16, Mogherini said, 'We are ready and also interested in using this conference to mobilize resources for the swift reconstruction of [Syria], especially in areas liberated from ISIS.' She added, 'However, we must first see progress in practice, while what we are witnessing today is exactly the opposite. Currently, we see no signs of the war subsiding; rather, we are witnessing its intensification.' The Syria conference held last year in Brussels concluded with the EU committing €1.2 billion for 2017. According to Mogherini, the EU will also propose new financial assistance this year and expects other participants at the conference, which will include representatives from over 70 countries, to do the same. However, the 2017 conference took place without senior delegations from Russia, Turkey, and the United States, and was overshadowed by a chemical attack in Syria. Mogherini also addressed the opposition forces in Syria, stating that the EU has been trying to unify these forces for UN negotiations. She added, 'However, there is clearly a problem that we Europeans cannot do anything about because we have no influence over the Syrian government and are not in contact with it.' The EU's foreign policy chief ultimately stated, 'What we are emphasizing and working on more than ever these days and weeks is continuing discussions with actors who have influence over Damascus. We encourage them to ensure that the Syrian government will participate seriously in the Geneva negotiations.' The EU supports opposition groups in Syria, which have recently come under severe attacks from the Syrian government in the Eastern Ghouta region.
Europe Calls for Serious Participation from Damascus in Peace Talks to Aid Syrian Reconstruction
The EU is prepared to assist in Syria's reconstruction but insists on a reduction in hostilities and serious participation from the Assad regime in peace talks. Federica Mogherini emphasizes the need for progress in the conflict before any aid can be mobilized. This situation is critical as it involves international efforts to stabilize Syria amid ongoing violence.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The EU announced its readiness to assist in Syria's reconstruction but insists on a reduction in hostilities and serious participation from the Assad regime in peace talks. Mogherini emphasized the need for progress before any aid can be mobilized.
- The EU is planning an international conference to discuss Syria's reconstruction.
- Mogherini highlighted the lack of signs of war subsiding and the need for influential actors to ensure Assad's participation in negotiations.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011, leading to a humanitarian crisis and significant geopolitical tensions involving multiple foreign powers.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%