The German government has announced an 8-point plan aimed at ensuring the “safe and dignified return” of Syrian refugees following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad by armed groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
In its official statement, the German Foreign Office described this plan as a roadmap toward a “free and democratic Syria.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock unveiled the initiative on Wednesday, emphasizing cautious optimism. “We see a moment of hope,” Baerbock said, but warned that the situation in Syria remains “far from stable.”
To support these efforts, Germany will provide an additional 8 million euros in humanitarian aid. The plan also includes increasing Germany’s diplomatic presence in Syria, with Undersecretary Tobias Lindner appointed as Germany’s representative in the region.
Baerbock highlighted that the return of Syrian refugees must be coordinated with European partners and the United Nations (UN).
The German Foreign Office noted that achieving these returns would require creating conditions that are safe, sustainable, and comprehensive, addressing humanitarian, political, socio-economic, and security challenges.
The announcement comes amidst a wave of regional decisions following Assad’s removal. Austria has announced plans to deport Syrian refugees, while Belgium, France, Greece, and Germany have temporarily suspended new asylum applications for Syrians.
The German plan acknowledges the “good news” of Assad’s removal but cautions against the potential risks of terrorism. To mitigate these threats, the proposal suggests forming a “Friends of Syria” group comprising Arab and Western states.
However, the document notes lingering uncertainties, particularly regarding how to approach Iran and Russia, two key players in the region.
The plan emphasizes the urgency of implementing a ceasefire and negotiating a power-sharing agreement that respects Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
