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DAMASCUS, SYRIA – FEBRUARY 20, 2023 – Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa yesterday expressed concerns over external interference after a recent explosion in Damascus coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the war-torn country.
Despite the heightened security alert, Macron chose to continue his visit as originally planned, citing a need for “demonstrating stability” in the region. This move by Macron has been seen by many as an indicator that Syria’s current momentum of peace efforts might be put to the test.
The French President arrived in Damascus earlier yesterday, sparking hopes of a new era of international cooperation aimed at rebuilding Syria, which has been ravaged by an eight-year conflict. However, the blast in Damascus has raised concerns about potential sabotage. “Many parties are seeking to undermine Syria’s current progress,” said Bashar al-Assad’s vice president, in a statement released shortly after the incident.
Syrian presidential advisor, Bouthaina Shaaban, echoed similar sentiments in her interview earlier today. According to her, the Syrian government was aware of several attempts by foreign powers to disrupt the country’s current path towards peace and stability. “This attempt will not deter our nation,” she assured. However, these remarks were met with skepticism by foreign diplomats and analysts who suspect foreign interference may be behind the recent Damascus explosion.
Macron’s decision to visit Damascus as planned is seen as a message of support from France towards Bashar al-Assad’s government at a time when international relations in the region are becoming increasingly complex. Macron has also been trying to rebrand his country’s relations with Syria by shifting from its earlier stance of being against Assad’s government to one of pragmatic engagement.
Syria and France, which once enjoyed relations dating back to the early 20th century, severed diplomatic ties in 2011 when the Syrian civil war escalated. This decision by the French President indicates that Paris may be prepared to normalize relations with Damascus under specific conditions.
The exact circumstances surrounding the explosion that rocked Damascus remain unclear. The Syrian government has condemned it as an act of terrorism carried out by opposition groups, while opposition leaders have blamed the government for the attack.
Amid these conflicting theories and heightened political tensions, Macron remains committed to exploring ways to facilitate progress in reconstruction efforts in Syria, which has been marred by devastating losses during its long-standing conflict.