Diary of the Syrian Transition – December 16, 2024

News:

-The EU chooses German diplomat Michael Onmacht to dialogue with Syria’s new rulers

Statements from Foreign Leaders/Organizations:

-EU foreign policy chief: The actions of the new regime in Syria in the coming weeks will determine our steps. Our envoy will arrive in Damascus today, Monday, to start communicating with the new regime.

-French Foreign Minister: Lifting sanctions on Syria is linked to launching a comprehensive political process. We call on the European Union to mobilize humanitarian aid resources to support the Syrian people. The political transition period in Syria must allow for the representation of minorities and respect for human rights.

-Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati: We have directed the reopening of the Lebanese embassy in Damascus, which was closed during the recent events.

-EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs: Russia and Iran have no place in Syria’s future. Preserving Syria’s sovereignty and representing all factions in the government are essential matters. New Syrian authorities must get rid of Russian influence as a condition for restoring relations. We are studying the issue of sanctions and intend to take positive steps if we see actions.

-Italian Foreign Minister: We will discuss developments in Syria with the foreign ministers of the United States, Britain, France and Germany in Rome tomorrow.

Statements from Syrian Leaders:

Ahmad al-Shar’a during his meeting with the Druze community in Syria: We must have the mentality of the state, not the mentality of the opposition, as Syria must remain united, and there must be a social contract between the state and all sects to ensure social justice. What matters to us is that there is no quota system and no privacy that leads to separation, as we manage matters from an institutional and legal perspective, and we seek to achieve the best for the Syrian people. For its part, the Druze community confirmed that they will only be part of Syria. al-Shar’a pointed out that the reality of the country is tiring and the extent of the destruction is great, and we need the efforts of all Syrians inside and outside the country, as it is necessary to work in a team spirit, adding that the factions will be dissolved and the fighters will be prepared to join the Ministry of Defense and everyone will be subject to the law. The country needs to control the industrial sector and development plans that serve food security, as the human resources of the regime are at their minimum, and the state of the regime was culturally and socially deteriorating.

Primary Sources:

General Command of Syria:

Ahmad al-Shar’a Interview with Hussein al-Hassan, a Syrian journalist

During the meeting of Ahmad al-Shar’a with the UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen

A meeting of the leadership of the joint force in the Syrian National Army with Ahmad al-Shar’a in the capital, Damascus

From the meeting that brought together Ahmad al-Shar’a with the British Foreign Office delegation to discuss the latest developments in Syria

The Free Army leadership congratulates Ahmad al-Shar’a on the occasion of the victory of the Syrian revolution

Congratulations from Major Jamil al-Saleh, Commander of Jaysh al-Izzah, to Ahmad al-Shar’a on the occasion of the victory of the Syrian revolution

Ahmad al-Shar’a during his meeting with the Druze community in Syria

Prime Minister’s Office:

Syrian Prime Minister Eng. Mohammad al-Bashir meets with the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations Tom Fletcher

Military Operations Department:

Important notice regarding stolen items from the Immigration and Passports Department building in Damascus

Ministry of Interior:

The Ministry of Interior announces recruitment for the police to join the Police Academy in Damascus

We call on our people in all Syrian governorates to allocate an account to inquire about prisoners of the last battles from the soldiers of the defunct regime

Ministry of Internal Trade:

A circular from the Ministry of Internal Trade regarding those wishing to establish new ovens in the governorates

Ministry of Transport:

Zajil Company announces the activation of the Aleppo-Suwayda line

Aleppo:

“Final touches before the opening of Aleppo International Airport“

Aleppo University opens its doors to its students

Under the supervision of the Political Affairs Department: A meeting of the people of Aleppo with representatives of the caretaker government in the presence of Ahmed Muwaffaq Zidane