French Special Envoy for Syria Jean-François Guillaume announced on December 17 that France is preparing to support Syrians in the long term, including during the current transitional period.
Guillaume expressed hope for a peaceful transition, emphasizing France’s commitment to standing beside the Syrian people following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster by rebels earlier this month. Guillaume’s visit to Syria aimed to establish contact with the de facto authorities in Damascus. French security personnel re-entered the Damascus embassy on December 17, raising the French flag for the first time since its 2012 closure.
Assad’s crackdown on protesters led to the embassy closure. Archives were destroyed, and computers were smashed during the hasty closure. Guillaume stated that the embassy’s reopening depends on fulfilling security criteria.
Foreign governments have begun engaging with Syria’s new interim rulers, including Germany, Qatar, the US, and the UK. Several countries, including Turkey, have reestablished communication with Syrian officials and reopened their embassies, marking a shift in diplomatic relations.
The situation in Syria remains uncertain, with various countries navigating their relationships with the new interim government. France has emphasized its commitment to supporting the Syrian people and promoting a peaceful transition.
