European Syriac Union condemns participation of Asaad al-Shaibani in Brussel’s donor conference

BRUSSELS — The European Syriac Union (ESU) strongly criticized the European Parliament for hosting Asaad al-Shaibani, Foreign Minister of the Syrian Transitional Government (STG), during the Brussels IX Donors’ Conference. In a statement and a public demonstration, the ESU denounced both the visit and Europe’s support for the STG.

Al-Shaibani, previously known as Zaid al-Attar, was a member of Jabhat al-Nusra alongside Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, then known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. Al-Shaibani was responsible for managing Jabhat al-Nusra’s foreign relations and overseeing its transition from an Al-Qaeda affiliate into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

The ESU issued a statement on its official Facebook page expressing strong opposition to al-Shaibani’s presence at the European Parliament and his participation in the donors’ conference. The Union described the move as an endorsement of the STG, which it claims fails to represent the interests of all Syrians.

Shaibani attended the conference alongside European and Arab ministers, as well as representatives from international organizations, to discuss humanitarian aid and funding for Syria.

In protest, the ESU joined a demonstration organized by Alawite organizations outside the European Parliament. Protesters called for the continuation of sanctions on Syria until security is restored for all communities and criticized Europe’s support for the Syrian opposition.

Fahmi Vergili, Co-Chair of the ESU, spoke to our newsdesk after during the demonstration, condemning what he called brutal massacres targeting Alawites and Christians in Syria’s coastal regions. He stated that over 1,500 civilians have been killed in recent sectarian violence. Vergili urged the European Union to maintain economic sanctions on Syria, arguing that sanctions relief should only come after an end to sectarian killings.

The ESU also criticized Syria’s recently unveiled Constitutional Declaration, arguing that it excludes significant communities and fails to reflect the aspirations of all Syrians.

Shaibani’s participation in the Brussels IX Donors’ Conference has highlighted the growing divisions among Syrian communities in exile. While some view the STG as a legitimate body representing the opposition, others see it as an extrmist entity that does not address Syria’s diverse population or its complex political realities.