The EU appoints German diplomat Michael Ohnmacht as head of its mission in Syria
The European Union announced, Friday, the appointment of German politician and diplomat Michael Ohnmacht as head of its mission to Syria, succeeding the former head, Dan Stoinescu, while the head of the Syrian Negotiating Commission asked the United States and Britain to push forward efforts for a political solution in Syria in accordance with international resolutions.
The European Union Mission to Syria said on its X account on Friday that Ohnmacht expressed his keenness to lead the European Union’s efforts in Syria, communicate with partners to advance a political solution to the Syrian crisis, and support the European Union’s activities in various sectors.
In his speech, published on the mission’s website, Ohnmacht said that he takes up the position at a pivotal time, stressing that he will try to “use his relationship with the Middle East, which has deepened over the years, to carry out the new tasks,” noting that this relationship first arose while he was studying Arabic language and literature at the Institute for Teaching Arabic to Foreigners in Damascus, after which he continued his academic pursuits in Islamic sciences and modern history, which deepened his appreciation for the rich history and vibrant cultures of the region.
He pointed out that his two decades of experience in the diplomatic service, where he worked in Tripoli, Riyadh, Beirut and Ramallah, will enable him to work closely with partners to promote a political solution to the Syrian crisis, and support the European Union’s activities in various sectors.
Michael Ohnmacht, (54), has worked in the German diplomatic service since 1998, and held diplomatic positions in several Arab countries, including Palestine, Lebanon, France, Saudi Arabia and Libya.
The appointment of him comes as a successor to the former Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Mission to Syria, the Romanian diplomat, Dan Stoinescu, who completed his duties after being assigned the position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Pakistan.
The European Union Delegation to Syria currently operates from the Lebanese capital Beirut, and makes regular visits to Damascus.
