Cyprus’s threat to maintain or re-impose sanctions, particularly those related to the Law of the Sea, appears to have influenced Syria’s interim government against striking an illicit maritime deal with Turkey. This is suggested by the invitation extended to Cypriot officials to visit Damascus.
Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos arrived at the presidential palace in Damascus and met with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad (not Assad al-Shibani), and interim President Ahmed al-Sarrah. The meeting lasted approximately two hours.
In his post-meeting statements, Kombos explained that his visit aimed to demonstrate Cyprus’s commitment to supporting Syria’s post-Assad regime transition, both bilaterally and within the EU framework. He emphasized the deep, historical relationship between the two countries and Cyprus’s desire to assist Syria in regaining full international legitimacy.
Kombos stressed the importance of fundamental principles like good neighborliness, respect for territorial integrity, and state sovereignty for Syria’s successful reintegration. He characterized the meeting’s outcomes as positive and encouraging, viewing them as a promising first step in a longer process. The implicit message was that continued progress and the easing of sanctions depended on Syria upholding these principles, particularly regarding maritime agreements within the confines of the Law of the Sea. Any deviation, especially deals with Turkey deemed illegal, would risk the immediate re-imposition of sanctions.
