Damascus — The European Union backs a peaceful, inclusive transition in Syria, top French and German diplomats said Friday as they visited Damascus to meet with new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock were in the Syrian capital for talks on behalf of the European Union, in the highest-level visit by major Western powers since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last month.

One of their first stops was the notorious Sednaya prison, not far from the capital.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits the Sednaya prison north of Damascus, accompanied by members of Syrian rescuers known as the White Helmets, Jan. 3, 2025. Baerbock and top French diplomat Jean-Noel Barrot visited Syria’s Saydnaya prison, an emblem of abuses under deposed leader Bashar al-Assad, in the highest-level visit by major Western powers since the Syrian president was ousted. ANWAR AMRO/AFP/Getty

Accompanied by White Helmet rescuers, Barrot and Baerbock toured …

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