Cyprus calls for stronger EU role in post-Assad Syria

Source: in-cyprus.com

Cyprus, Austria and Greece have presented a joint non-paper outlining proposals for the European Union’s engagement in Syria, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos told the Foreign Affairs Council.

The document, which was revealed earlier in an interview with philenews, emphasises the crucial role the EU should play both now and in the future. The non-paper highlights Cyprus’s assessment of the situation and concerns about developments in Syria.

The document states that whilst the fall of the Syrian regime marks a historic moment, the situation remains volatile and requires careful monitoring by the EU, particularly given its maritime borders with Syria and the impact on migration flows.

According to the proposal, the EU’s role should be guided by principles including respect for Syria’s independence, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It calls for a smooth and inclusive transfer of power within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, without foreign interference, whilst respecting women’s rights and those of religious and ethnic minorities.

Foreign Minister Kombos, speaking before the council meeting, emphasised that the EU should be “a contributing force” and “a leader in development, reconstruction and humanitarian aid, under established conditions”.

He added that the EU “should be a very dynamic mediator regarding the transition process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254”.

The document also addresses concerns about potential fragmentation of Syria and the rise of extremism, including possible Islamic State resurgence, with specific attention to the Muslim Brotherhood’s role.

It highlights the need to address drug production and trafficking, particularly of Captagon, by the Assad regime.

The proposal calls for the immediate appointment of an EU Special Envoy to Syria and maintains that member states should establish an active presence in Damascus for dialogue and monitoring.

It suggests creating a mechanism to support Syria, including the possibility of using frozen Assad regime assets for reconstruction efforts, linked to political transition progress.

Additionally, the three countries are calling for renewal of the joint UN-OPCW mission mandate in Syria, EU support for establishing an independent authority for Syrian missing persons, funding for children’s trauma management programmes, and protection of the country’s cultural heritage.

In a statement following the council meeting, the Foreign Ministry said Kombos presented the non-paper on behalf of Cyprus, Austria and Greece, calling for an active EU political role in the Syrian crisis to ensure the rights of all Syrian citizens, including minorities.

The three countries urged the EU to work closely with regional partners, especially Arab allies, to ensure dignified conditions for voluntary, safe and sustainable return of Syrian refugees.

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