France to send diplomats to Syria for “initial contact” with new authorities

A French diplomatic mission is set to travel to Damascus to reestablish contact with Syria's new interim government following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, acting Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.

Similarly, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations are exploring ways to normalize relations with the new regime, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Global governments are intensifying efforts to engage with Syria's new rulers, just over a week after Islamist-led rebels, particularly the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, overthrew Assad, ending his decades-long rule and a brutal civil war. As they assess their response to the changing political landscape, countries are carefully considering how to engage, particularly those where HTS is still considered a "terrorist" organization.

HTS, originally aligned with Syria’s Al-Qaeda branch, has attempted to soften its stance since toppling Assad, promising to protect all religious and ethnic communities in the country’s diverse society.

A four-strong French diplomatic team is due in Damascus on December 17 to "retake possession of our real estate", make "initial contact" with the new authorities, and "evaluate the urgent needs of the population", acting Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.

Türkiye, a key supporter of HTS, reopened its embassy in Damascus on December 14.

Both the UK and the US have also confirmed ongoing diplomatic communication with HTS, despite officially classifying the group as a terrorist organization. British Foreign Minister David Lammy remarked that the UK maintains diplomatic contact and has announced an aid package for Syria.

Additionally, Qatar’s embassy is set to resume operations in Syria. The Gulf Emirate had never restored ties with Assad after their rupture in 2011. Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that its diplomats had visited Syria and met with officials from the transitional government.

By Vafa Guliyeva