German and Austrian Ministers Cancel Syria Trip Due to Security Threats
German and Austrian interior ministers canceled a planned trip to Syria due to credible terrorist threats, according to German authorities. The ministers aimed to meet with Syrian officials and aid organizations. This cancellation follows the recent reopening of the German Embassy in Damascus after years of closure due to the civil war.
The German and Austrian interior ministers canceled their planned trip to Syria on Thursday due to a credible threat to their safety, as informed by German authorities. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, alongside Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, intended to fly to Damascus via a German military plane from Jordan. However, the trip was called off before departure following concrete warnings from German security regarding a potential terrorist threat.
Although the officials had not announced the trip in advance, they aimed to meet with ministers from Syria’s interim government and representatives from U.N. aid organizations. Over the last decade, Germany has been a significant destination for Syrian refugees. Notably, last week, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reopened the German Embassy in Damascus after 13 years, coinciding with her second visit since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad.
The German and Austrian interior ministers were forced to cancel their Syria trip due to substantial security risks. The decision illustrates the ongoing dangers in the region and the complexity of diplomatic efforts in post-war Syria. The reopening of the German Embassy by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reflects Germany’s continued engagement in Syrian affairs despite these challenges.
Original Source: apnews.com
