ECPP applauds EU’s sanctions lift on Syria but urges caution with Syrian Transitional Government

BRUSSELS — The European Christian Political Movement (ECPP) expressed support for the Council of the European Union’s recent decision to lift remaining economic sanctions on Syria. The move is seen as a critical step toward reconstruction and long-term stability in the war-torn nation. However, the ECPP has called on European governments to tread carefully in their engagement with the Syrian Transitional Government (STG).

In a statement issued this week, the ECPP described the EU’s action as “decisive” in aiding the Syrian people after over a decade of civil war and oppression under the authoritarian regime of Bashar al-Assad. Despite this, the organization raised serious concerns regarding the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the STG, labeling his ascent to power as undemocratic.

The ECPP also highlighted reports of significant human rights abuses perpetrated by military factions linked to the transitional government. These violations, it noted, have disproportionately affected Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Kurds.

The organization urged EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and member states to adopt a cautious and vigilant approach in dealings with the STG. It stressed the need for robust measures to safeguard the rights and security of Syria’s diverse communities.

Additionally, the ECPP called for European nations to expand their engagement beyond the transitional authorities. The group advocated for enhanced collaboration with civil society organizations, humanitarian groups operating within Syria, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria, and Druze leadership in Suwayda.

“A peaceful and inclusive Syria cannot be achieved without meaningful representation and protection of all its communities,” the statement concluded, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in Syria’s path to recovery.