EU Foreign Affairs Representative Celebrates “End of Assad”

Brussels – New EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has expressed her support for the recent overthrow of Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad, calling it “the end of Assad’s dictatorship,” which she deemed a significant and positive shift. In a post on X, she highlighted how this development underscores the diminishing influence of Assad's backers, Russia and Iran. Kallas emphasized the urgent need to ensure security in the region, stating, “I will work with all constructive partners.”

In a similar vein, António Costa, the new President of the EU Council, echoed these sentiments. He noted that Assad's regime had inflicted tremendous suffering and suggested that its end paves the way for renewed opportunities for freedom and peace for the Syrian populace. Costa also pointed out the importance of this transition for regional stability, confirming the EU's commitment to collaborating with the Syrian people towards a brighter future.

Reports from the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) indicate that they have seized control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, while various rebel factions have gained ground in other provinces, often with government troops retreating without resistance. Russian sources have claimed that Assad has fled the country.

In Germany, many Syrians are celebrating the fall of Assad's regime. However, Michael Roth, the chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, cautioned against hasty conversations regarding the repatriation of Syrians back to their homeland. “We currently have no clarity on how the situation in Syria will evolve,” he said during an interview on ZDF's “Morning Magazine” on December 8.