French, German FMs call for greater inclusivity during Damascus visit

DAMASCUS - French and German foreign ministers urged Syria's new interim government on Friday to embrace diversity and inclusivity during a visit to Damascus, marking the first such European diplomatic mission since President Bashar al-Assad's fall from power in December.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met with the de facto leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads the coalition that ousted Assad and now controls the Syrian capital.

"France and Germany stand with the Syrian people in all their diversity," Barrot said on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling for a "peaceful transition" to ensure regional stability.

After meeting civil society representatives, Barrot stressed the importance of Kurdish participation in the emerging political process.

Baerbock ruled out European Union funding for "new Islamist entities" while emphasizing minority rights and women's participation in the political process.

"A better future for Syria requires inclusive peaceful transfer of power," Baerbock told a news conference. "All ethnic and religious groups must participate in the constitutional process."

She cited security coordination between Kurdish forces and other factions as "an important first step" toward establishing a national defense framework.

A military coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, under al-Sharaa's leadership, launched a major offensive from northern Syria on Nov. 27, capturing Damascus and overthrowing the government within 12 days.