Syria has “gained freedom” but challenges lie ahead – FM
Asaad Al Shibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister in the transitional government, has declared that the country has “gained its freedom” from former president Bashar Al Assad, although challenges remain, The National reported on February 12th.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Al Shibani said: “Syria has gained its freedom. The most important thing is that we freed the Syrian people.”
However, he acknowledged ongoing obstacles, particularly strained international relations, which he said are gradually improving.
Since Assad’s fall, Syria’s new leadership has worked to strengthen regional and international ties.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa made his first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss economic recovery with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to address post-war reconstruction and security concerns relating to Kurdish fighters near the Turkish border.
Al Shibani highlighted economic struggles inherited from the Assad era, which are also partly caused by sanctions enforced under the Assad regime, but stressed that peace has largely prevailed despite fears of renewed violence.
“Our biggest achievement is that our country did not [further] descend into civil war,” he said. “Life returned to normal just one week after undergoing a major transformation and ending a regime that had been in power for 50 years.”
The new government is drafting an “inclusive” constitution which would ensure minority representation.
This effort comes as the whistleblower known as ‘Caesar,’ who exposed torture under Assad, has revealed his identity.
“Syrians have started feeling a sense of belonging for the first time, they are collectively talking about politics in their country. We believe strongly in our people being true partners,” he added.
Key governmental priorities include preventing corruption and lifting sanctions.
The US and EU have said they are willing to ease some sanctions to support Syria’s transition.
“In just two months, we have secured exemptions from certain sanctions imposed by the EU and US, but this is not enough,” Al Shibani said.
Syria is reassessing ties with Russia and Iran, key Assad allies. Al Shibani noted improving relations with Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq while respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty.
However, tensions have taken form at the northeastern border region of Lebanon, where recent clashes between Syrian security forces and Lebanese tribesmen resulted in casualties.
Al Shibani also said the country is receiving “positive signals” from Russia and Iran. But he added that Syrians must be assured about the “nature” of these international relationships.
The National
