Germany calls for inclusive political process after fall of Assad regime

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - Germany's foreign minister called for an inclusive political process in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime, stressing the need to protect ethnic and religious minorities.

“For millions of people in Syria, the end of Assad means the first big sigh of relief after endless atrocities committed by the Assad regime,” Annalena Baerbock said in a statement posted on X, while emphasizing the need for a careful transition.

“The people of Syria deserve a better future. They have been through terrible things. An entire generation has grown up under the threat of constant displacement, war, hardship and humanitarian deprivation,” she added.

Baerbock underlined that Bashar al-Assad must he held accountable for the crimes of the regime. “Several hundred thousand Syrians have been killed in the civil war, millions have fled. Assad has murdered, tortured, and used poison gas against his own population,” she said.

Germany, which hosts nearly one million Syrian refugees, closely monitored recent developments as opposition forces launched a lightning offensive, capturing key cities and the capital Damascus in just 10 days. The rapid advance, supported by defecting military units, led to the collapse of the Assad regime after 13 years of civil war.

Baerbock called on all actors “to live up to their responsibility for all Syrians,” and launch an inclusive political process that would ensure the protection of ethnic and religious minorities, and create a balance between these groups in the future administration.

“If key external and internal actors finally act in the interests of the people in Syria, the long-awaited path to peace could begin,” she said, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2254 as the basis for the country’s transition process.

Baerbock underlined the importance of international support for this political process, noting that Germany is coordinating closely with the UN, Western partners, and key regional players such as Turkiye to ensure a stable and peaceful transition in Syria.