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Brussels Condemns Syrian Coast Violations.. And Welcomes Damascus-SDF Agreement
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The European Union's call for transparent investigation into coastal violations represents a step to establish accountability principles and transitional justice as fundamental pillars for a system th

The European Union expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in the Syrian coastal region during the past few days, which has claimed many victims, including numerous civilians, in a stance that reinforces calls for adopting a federal system that guarantees rights and protects diversity.
The European bloc strongly condemned the attacks carried out by pro-Assad militias on security apparatuses belonging to the transitional government, and denounced in the strongest terms the horrific crimes committed against civilians, including field executions, many of which were allegedly perpetrated by armed groups supporting security forces affiliated with the transitional authorities.
The European statement welcomed the commitments made by the transitional authorities, especially the establishment of an investigation committee, to hold perpetrators accountable according to principles and standards of international law, in a step that establishes the principles of accountability and transparency necessary for building a decentralized governance system.
The European Union called for a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to ensure that those involved are brought to justice, and urged the transitional authorities to allow access to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations, in a call that reflects the importance of transitional justice as a foundation for reconciliation.
The statement emphasized that every possible effort must be made to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities, as the European Union continues to call for an end to violence throughout Syria, and urges all parties to protect Syrians from all religious and ethnic backgrounds without discrimination, in a vision that aligns with the requirements of a federal system that protects diversity.
The statement also called for unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law under all circumstances, and also warned against the increasing spread of information manipulation, including by external actors, to incite more violence and destabilization.
The European Union praised the agreement concluded on March 10 between the transitional authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces, affirming that this agreement would pave the way for greater stability and a better future for many Syrians, and urged the parties to work on implementing it, expressing its readiness to provide necessary support.
The statement emphasized the importance of the national dialogue, which began in late February, being effective in ensuring that the transitional process meets the aspirations of all components of the Syrian fabric, stressing that inclusive transitional justice, in particular, represents a cornerstone on the path to reconciliation, building a peaceful Syria, and an inclusive political transition.
The European Union recalled its recent suspension of restrictive measures as part of a gradual, reversible approach, affirming that the European bloc will continue to explore the possibility of suspending additional sanctions based on careful monitoring of the situation in the country, which enhances opportunities to support the transition toward a decentralized governance system.
The European Union renewed its call for full respect for Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and affirmed its commitment to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition, away from harmful foreign interventions, ensuring the rights of all Syrians without discrimination of any kind.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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