Syrian Foreign Ministry Reinstates 21 Diplomats Who Defected During Assad's Regime
The decision is seen as a significant move toward restoring national competencies, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
LONDON: Asaad Al-Shaibani, the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, has reinstated 21 diplomats who had defected from the former Bashar Assad regime in protest at its brutal crackdown on civilians during the civil war.
The move reflects an attempt by the current government to rebuild and restore expertise within diplomatic ranks following years of unrest and political turmoil.Al-Shaibani met with the diplomats this week at the ministry's headquarters in Damascus, where they signed an agreement reinstating them to the staff.
He acknowledged their efforts in exposing the crimes committed by the Assad regime, praising their commitment to supporting the people of Syria and its just cause.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, Al-Shaibani emphasized that this decision strengthens national competencies.Yasser Al-Jundi, director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the diplomats' extensive experience in diplomatic work before and after the revolution.
He noted that their expertise will be beneficial for new staff members entering the field.Diplomat Hussein Al-Sabbagh expressed that the reinstated diplomats have been eagerly awaiting this opportunity since the fall of Assad's regime.
They now look forward to supporting diplomatic work aligned with Syria's new foreign policy objectives.In May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued a statement requesting that dissenting diplomats update their information in preparation for a potential return to the ministry's staff.
This development signifies an effort by the current administration to reintegrate defected officials into governmental roles, aiming to bolster diplomatic capabilities and align with Syria's post-conflict objectives.