Syria – Minister speaks to representatives of the Syrian opposition and civil society (12 Dec. 2024)

The Minister welcomed his interlocutors’ commitment to a free, democratic and plural Syria and paid tribute to their many companions murdered by Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The representatives of the Syrian opposition and civil society thanked France for its steadfast commitment alongside Syria and the Syrian people since 2011. The Minister and his Syrian interlocutors emphasized the need, following the fall of the regime, to continue the fight against impunity, in the framework of law and justice.

The Minister and his interlocutors signalled their commitment to a peaceful and representative political transition – in accordance with United Nations Resolution 2254 – that protects civilians, basic rights and minorities. They agreed on the importance of protecting State institutions and respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They expressed their concerns about the risks of fragmentation, instability, extremism and terrorism, and the need for Syrian and international mobilization to avert them.

The Minister called on all Syrians, abroad and in Syria, to get actively involved in this transition, which must make room for all components of Syrian society, and to work for reconciliation and reconstruction. The Minister and his interlocutors emphasized what an asset the skills and energy of the diaspora are when it comes to building a new Syria.

The Minister signalled that France would continue, in the period ahead, to support all Syrians eager to work to implement the Syrian revolution’s democratic ideals.