British diplomats have held a groundbreaking meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a proscribed organisation in the UK. The talks, held in Damascus on Monday, come in the wake of the ousting of former Syrian dictator Bashar Assad earlier this month.
Photographs from the meeting show senior UK officials, including Ann Snow, the UK’s special representative for Syria, engaging with Mr. al-Sharaa, who was previously known as Mohammed al-Golani. This marks the first high-level diplomatic engagement between Britain and Syria’s interim authorities following the collapse of Assad’s regime.
UK’s commitment to Syrian transition
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking at a press conference in London on Monday, confirmed the delegation’s visit and highlighted Britain’s commitment to supporting Syria during its transitional period.
“This delegation underlines our commitment to Syria,” said Mr. Lammy. “The UK stands ready to assist in an inclusive, Syrian-led, and Syrian-owned political process. This is a crucial moment for the people of Syria, and we must ensure their voices shape the future of their country.”
The meeting with HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, despite the organisation’s designation as a terrorist group in the UK, has sparked debate over whether the group’s proscription should be reviewed.
HTS seeks rebranding and legitimacy
HTS, once linked to al-Qaida, has sought to present itself as a moderate force in Syria’s complex political landscape. Mr. al-Sharaa, during the meeting, called for the lifting of international sanctions imposed during the Assad regime and for HTS to be removed from terrorist designation lists.
In an interview with international media, Mr. al-Sharaa emphasised Syria’s geopolitical importance and urged Western powers to support the country’s recovery. “They should lift all restrictions, which were imposed on both the flogger and the victim – the flogger is gone now,” he said, referencing the downfall of Assad. “This issue is not up for negotiation.”
Mr. al-Sharaa also sought to allay concerns regarding Syria’s future relationship with Israel. He stated that the new Syrian leadership would not seek conflict with Tel Aviv and vowed that Syria would not be used as a base for attacks.
International perspectives
The UK’s diplomatic engagement with HTS follows similar moves by the United States. Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that American officials had also engaged with HTS despite its designation as a foreign terrorist organisation by the State Department.
Mr. Lammy echoed this sentiment, stating that the proscription of HTS was “no bar to diplomatic contact” and that dialogue was essential for supporting Syria’s transitional government.
However, the UK Government’s willingness to engage with HTS has drawn mixed reactions. Some have called for caution, pointing to the group’s history and its association with extremism. Others argue that engaging with the new Syrian leadership is necessary to support stability and prevent further regional chaos.
Assad’s first public comments
Meanwhile, former President Bashar Assad has made his first public comments since his ousting. Speaking from an undisclosed location, Assad denied ever considering stepping down during the conflict.
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“At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party,” Assad said. He claimed that his evacuation was orchestrated by Russian forces after their base in Syria came under attack by rebel forces.
Sanctions and Syria’s future
The meeting between UK diplomats and HTS leaders highlights the complex challenges of rebuilding a nation torn apart by years of civil war and international sanctions.
Mr. al-Sharaa reiterated his call for sanctions to be lifted, describing them as counterproductive to the country’s recovery. “The sanctions were designed for an era that has now ended,” he said, urging the international community to take a pragmatic approach to Syria’s reconstruction.
A pivotal moment
As British and international diplomats engage with Syria’s interim leadership, questions remain about the long-term implications of legitimising groups like HTS. While some see these talks as a necessary step towards stabilising Syria, others warn of the risks associated with normalising relations with a group that remains proscribed in the UK.
For now, the meeting in Damascus signals a cautious but significant shift in how Western nations approach Syria’s new political landscape. The coming months will reveal whether these diplomatic efforts can translate into meaningful change for the Syrian people.
