France Sends Diplomats to Syria for First Time in 12 Years

Acting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the diplomats’ mission aims “to restore France’s influence” in Syria, “establish initial contacts with the new authorities”, and “assess the population's humanitarian needs.”

This move follows France’s decision in 2012 to cut diplomatic relations with Syria.

Barrot noted that hundreds of French citizens remain in Syria and that France has been maintaining indirect contact through the Romanian embassy and its diplomatic mission in Beirut.

Paris had previously welcomed the Syrian opposition’s efforts to seize power.

Barrot described the new authorities as “encouraging” and “not abusive”, reiterating that France would support a “political transition” only if it ensures representation for all segments of Syrian society.

The French mission comes after the Syrian capital Damascus was captured by armed opposition forces on December 8.

Russian officials confirmed that President Bashar al-Assad stepped down following negotiations with Syrian conflict participants and was granted asylum in Russia.

Mohammed al-Bashir, leader of an Idlib-based administration linked to opposition groups, was appointed interim prime minister on December 10.

Reports from Le Figaro revealed concerns over French militants' participation in the opposition assault on Damascus.

The outlet, citing Olivier Christin, a prosecutor from France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office, said militants linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Omar Omsen’s brigade, including individuals previously convicted in France, were among the fighters.

France remains deeply concerned about the presence of militants' elements, particularly French nationals, in Syria and the potential threat of such fighters returning to Europe.

Last week, the French Interior Ministry announced efforts to suspend asylum cases from Syria.

According to the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA), about 45,000 Syrians have been granted asylum in France since 2011.

In 2023, France registered nearly 4,500 asylum applications from Syrian citizens, with an additional 2,500 filed so far in 2024.