-
Germany Sets Conditions for Aid to Syria with Guarantees of Change
-
Germany seeks to achieve a delicate balance between supporting transition in Syria and maintaining its gains from Syrian migrant professionals
German official Svenja Schultz began her visit to Damascus today, Wednesday, with pledges to support "peaceful and stable development" in Syria during her meetings with the new officials.
In her statements, Schultz emphasized: "After more than 50 years of dictatorship and 14 years of civil war, Syria now has an opportunity for peaceful and stable development," as reported by AFP.
Her visit coincided with one month since the fall of Assad's regime, where her statement indicated a program of meetings including the new leadership and relief organizations "to determine mechanisms for German support for Syria's peaceful, stable, and inclusive development."
AFP reported that Schultz and the accompanying delegation inspected Al-Mujtahid Hospital in Damascus to assess health conditions.
Germany hosts the largest Syrian community in Europe, with nearly one million people, while a recent German study warned of potential workforce shortages, especially in the healthcare sector, if they return to their country.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced last Sunday the allocation of 50 million euros in humanitarian aid to Syria, while calling for continued sanctions on Assad's collaborators.
Schultz announced the expansion of the international hospital partnership program to include Syrian facilities as part of reconstruction efforts, while being keen to retain "essential" medical staff in Germany.
Schultz's statements conveyed the "new Syrian leadership's pursuit to recover migrant professionals and experts," versus Germany's desire to retain them, with the expanded program including exchange visits between German and Syrian doctors for training, qualification, and operation of modern equipment.
Damascus has witnessed increased diplomatic activity since December 8th, including Foreign Minister Baerbock's visit early this month.
Levant-Agencies
