The Emirates reopen the embassy in Damascus, a diplomatic success for Assad
The representation had been closed in the early days of the conflict. The UAE have long supported the opposition rebel groups, but less openly than Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. The possible re-admission of Damascus into the Arab League is being examined, but unanimity is needed.
Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - After years of war and armed support for anti-government rebel militias, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reopened their embassy in Damascus yesterday. The move is a diplomatic and political success for President Bashar al-Assad, whose control of the country is now also certified by Arab nations allied with the United States and once fighting against the so-called Syrian "regime".
In a note the leaders of the Emirates underline that the decision intends to normalize relations with Damascus and avert the risk of regional interference [with reference to Iran] in the "business of Syria and the Arab world". There is a widespread belief, says Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash, that in the near future the "Arab presence" is needed in the Syrian dossier.
Analysts and experts agree that the reopening of the embassy is a fundamental step in the direction of a full rehabilitation of Syria by the Arab world. Its presence within the Arab League was suspended seven years ago, during the early stages of the conflict.
In this regard, in recent weeks the leaders of the body are considering a re-admission of Damascus. The same minister of the Emirates Gargash makes clear that there must be the "unanimous" consent of the entire Arab world on the possible return of Syria, while there are still three countries that oppose it.
Yesterday afternoon, the flag of the UAE was hoisted above the building and the charges d'affairs returned to take up residence . According to Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to Damascus before the outbreak of the war, the decision of the Emirates indicates that the Sunni Gulf monarchy intends to restore its influence on Syria, countering Iranian hegemony.
No comment, however, from the US government; however, the widespread opinion is that the White House has "consented" to the decision of the Emirates and the Trump administration is less and less interested in the Syrian dossier.
The Emirates supported the armed groups of the anti-Assad opposition for a long time, although its role was less prominent than Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Turkey. Eight years after the start of the conflict, President Assad has now regained control of much of the territory thanks to the decisive support of Iran and Russia, as well as Hezbollah's Lebanese Shiite militias.
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