Germany Pledges €50 Million in Syrian Aid

Germany has pledged €50 million in emergency aid to Syria, aimed at providing food, accommodation, and medical care, as announced by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during a conference in Riyadh. This funding will be distributed through the UN World Food Program and various NGOs to assist those in dire need following the civil war. Baerbock emphasized the necessity of maintaining sanctions against individuals linked to the ousted Assad regime while advocating for a 'smart approach' to easing some restrictions to support the Syrian population's recovery. Additionally, Germany expressed strong support for UN-led efforts to investigate war crimes committed by Assad's regime, with the commitment of €1 million to bolster the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for evidence collection. The German Foreign Ministry highlighted the importance of accountability for Assad regime officials, asserting that any punishment must occur under Syrian leadership. The discussions in Riyadh also included various international partners, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and political transition in Syria.