AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Foreign ministers from Syria and neighboring countries gathered in Amman, Jordan on Sunday to advocate for lifting Western-led sanctions on Syria and promoting post-war reconciliation.
Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon’s foreign ministers, along with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, called for the sanctions to be lifted to aid in the rebuilding efforts after years of conflict. The meeting comes after clashes between Syrian security forces and insurgents in the coastal province, resulting in casualties. The exact number of casualties could not be independently verified by The Associated Press.
While the United States and Europe have been cautious about lifting sanctions without a clear democratic political transition in Syria that includes minorities and civil society, there is a pressing need for financial support to alleviate the country’s widespread poverty.
Al-Shibani emphasized the importance of protecting all segments of the Syrian population and preventing further tragedies. Syria’s new leadership led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa is striving to secure support for rebuilding efforts and fostering unity among various ethnic groups across the country.
The neighboring countries expressed concerns about Syria’s fragile economy and internal conflicts affecting regional stability. They condemned foreign intervention, particularly recent Israeli military actions in southern Syria and the Golan Heights.
The foreign ministers emphasized the need for collaboration to address security threats posed by groups like the Islamic State and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. They highlighted the importance of exchanging information and cooperating to counter terrorism in the region.
The meeting was hailed as a historic opportunity for regional cooperation and dialogue to mitigate tensions in Syria and enhance stability across the region.
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Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut and Andrew Wilks in Istanbul.
