Italy appoints ambassador to Syria to highlight country's plight

By Merve Berker

Italy has taken a significant step by appointing an ambassador to Syria, aiming to bring international attention to the country, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday, according to press reports.

This move makes Italy the first G7 nation to reinstate its diplomatic mission in Damascus since the Syrian civil war began, media quoted the minister as saying.

Italy had withdrawn its embassy staff from Damascus in 2012, suspending diplomatic activities to protest against the Syrian government's violence under Bashar al-Assad.

The conflict, sparked 13 years ago, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.

Stefano Ravagnan, previously the Foreign Ministry's special envoy for Syria, has been named the new ambassador.

He will assume his duties shortly, Tajani confirmed to media outlets.

Recently, Italy and seven other EU nations urged the bloc to adopt a more proactive stance on Syria.

In a letter to EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, they highlighted the ongoing exodus of Syrians, stressing the strain on neighboring countries and the risk of new refugee waves due to heightened regional tensions.

The letter expressed concern over Syria's deteriorating humanitarian situation and collapsing economy.

Tajani stated that naming a new ambassador aligns with their efforts to turn the spotlight on the Middle Eastern country and engage more actively in addressing the crisis.

Currently, six EU embassies are operational in Damascus.

None of Italy's G7 partners have yet reestablished their diplomatic presence in Syria.