The Papal Nuncio in Damascus since 2008, Cardinal Mario Zenari, in an interview with Vatican News on New Year’s Day, implored the international community to lift sanctions on Syria now. The interview took place after Zenari had been briefed about the meeting of new leader al-Sharaa with church leaders, which he views as very hopeful.
The Cardinal urged Christians to stay in Syria and for members of the diaspora to return to actively work for the nation’s future. His strongest words, however, were to urgently request immediate constructive action by the international community: “The international community is reacting cautiously to the fine promises from Syria; but if that means that it wants to wait even longer before providing support and lifting the sanctions, then I say no! I have a big request for the international community: get down to work in Syria! This is a very, very fragile peace for Syria, a very delicate moment.”
