Media: EU to appoint special envoy for Syria

The European Commission is set to designate a special envoy for Syria, as indicated in an informal document (known as a "non-paper") from the EU executive.

This decision aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance aid and development support for refugees returning to Syria, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

A group of countries is advocating for the EU, which halted formal diplomatic relations with Syria in 2011, to cautiously reengage with President Bashar al-Assad's government to facilitate the return of migrants. This initiative comes as many Syrian refugees are returning from Lebanon to escape the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The document discusses how the EU could modify its operational parameters to boost investment in Syria and increase the number of asylum-seekers voluntarily returning home, all without normalizing relations with Assad's regime.

“Changing circumstances and some of the actions envisaged might require stepping up contacts on the ground,” the document states. 

With thorough political evaluation and approval, local-level technical discussions can be held with individuals not included on sanctions lists, adhering to the boundaries set by the Council—particularly the current restrictions against interacting with the Assad regime and its representatives.

By Naila Huseynova