site.btaVon der Leyen in Ankara: EU Has to Step Up Direct Engagement with Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

Meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Now we have to step up and continue our direct engagement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other factions." She stressed the EU and its allies cannot allow a Daesh resurgence in Syria.

A statement published on the Commission's website cited von der Leyen as saying: "Turkiye has an essential role to play in stabilising the region. Together, we must also remain vigilant against terrorism. The risk of a Daesh resurgence, particularly in eastern Syria, is real. We cannot let this happen. Turkiye's legitimate security concerns must be addressed. At the same time, it is important to allow all Syrians, including all minorities, to be safe."

In her words, "the collapse of the Assad regime offers new hope to the Syrian people, but it equally comes with risks. The situation on the ground remains extremely volatile."

"The Syrian people deserve a peaceful transition. One that preserves their country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. One that upholds state institutions. And one that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people in all their diversity. So, it means that national unity must be respected, and minorities must be protected," said von der Leyen. She stressed that "Europe is ready to do its part to support Syria at this critical juncture". 

The Commission President said: "Europe is already Syria's biggest donor. Since 2011, our annual Syria conferences have mobilised over EUR 33 billion. We must continue this support, with a new focus on reconstruction, this would be a step-by-step approach."