Italian Foreign Minister Visits Syria's New Leadership

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking a significant diplomatic engagement following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Tajani emphasized the necessity for Europe to reconsider its sanctions against Syria, given the evolving political landscape and the need to ensure the rights of all Syrians, particularly minorities under the new leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). He stated that sanctions should not adversely affect the Syrian population and highlighted the importance of coordinating policies to foster a peaceful and stable future for Syria. The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that sanctions could be eased contingent upon tangible progress from the new Syrian administration. The visit is part of broader efforts by European nations to engage with Syria's transitional government, which is working to integrate various armed factions. Tajani's discussions reflect an international shift towards supporting Syria's recovery amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges.