European Commission President: Turkey tries to control all Syria

Von der Leyen, the European Commission President, responded to questions from Radio Monte Carlo International regarding developments in the Syrian situation and Europe's interests in the Syrian file after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. 

Von der Leyen said that Syria is a strategic and pivotal area for European countries in the Middle East, and Europe has not been as close to Damascus since the end of World War II. Europe is trying to establish a very strong foothold in Syria.

Regarding Turkish attacks, the European Commission President pointed out, "There is a large Turkish offensive in Syria, and Turkey is trying to control all of Syrian territory. Europe does not want to leave Syria completely under Turkish influence. There are strategic interests for Europe, especially France, in Syria. From this perspective, Europeans are seeking to strengthen their presence in Syria, both politically and economically."

She added, "We must not forget that the gas pipeline that could run from Qatar to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and then to Europe is a very important issue that could compensate Europeans for the gas lost from Russia."

Regarding the possibility of lifting European economic sanctions on Syria, von der Leyen indicated that there is a willingness to partially lift sanctions related to essential projects such as rebuilding infrastructure, particularly roads, water, and electricity.

She clarified that this depends on the developments in the Syrian situation, as Europeans want "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or the new government in Syria to prove its words with actions, meaning there should be inclusive governance and wide participation from various political forces in Syria. They want to ensure the security and stability of minorities and include them in the new government."

She emphasized, "They are calling for the implementation of Resolution 2254, which means that governance should involve all Syrian factions, without monopolization, and there should be no leniency towards the terrorist organization ISIS."

She also noted, "If these conditions are met and the new government proves its words with actions, Europeans may consider partially lifting sanctions. They will be forced to do so if the situation in Syria reaches that point because large economic projects cannot succeed in Syria while sanctions imposed by Brussels remain in place."

A-H

ANHA