Representatives of Syria's new administration denied Berbok a handshake

Representatives of the new Syrian administration refused to shake hands with German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock, who arrived with her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot on an unannounced visit to the Arab republic. The corresponding video was posted by Die Welt newspaper on January 3.

In the footage published by the publication, it can be seen that Berbok is the first to descend the ramp of the government plane, after which she approaches the delegation of the new Syrian administration. At the same time, both politicians from Syria put their hand to their hearts, making it clear that they are not going to shake hands with the German foreign minister. Immediately afterwards, a man from the German delegation approaches them, to whom the representatives of the SAR themselves extend their hands for a handshake.

A little later, the same incident occurred when Berbok and the head of the new ATS administration met. Approaching the delegations from France and Germany, the head of the new administration of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa gave his hand only to Barro, refusing to shake hands with the German minister.

Basic issue: Syrian opposition reported meetings with Russian Federation representatives

And while the new ATS authorities are legitimizing their activities, tensions are rising between members of different faiths in the country

Earlier, on January 3, it became known that Berbock and Barro went on an unannounced visit to Syria, where they were to meet with representatives of the new authorities in Damascus. In addition to holding talks, the ministers also intend to hold meetings with representatives of civil society in the Arab country. The German Foreign Ministry indicated that the trip is being made "on behalf of the European Union (EU)."

Prior to that, on December 14 last year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured that Europe would help Syria rebuild. He noted that there are currently hundreds of thousands of Syrians living in the FRG. According to him, those individuals who have successfully integrated into society can safely stay in Germany.

On December 8, Bashar al-Assad, after negotiations with the opposition, left the post of the head of state and left the country, instructing to carry out the transfer of power peacefully. On the same day, the national coalition of revolutionary and opposition forces in Syria announced the work on the formation of a transitional authority. In turn, Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali said that most of the ministers of the Syrian government remain in Damascus, and he himself is ready to cooperate with any elected leadership.

The situation in Syria has escalated as a result of a major attack by armed formations in Aleppo and Idlib, which began on November 28 and led to the Syrian army's retaliatory actions against the militants.