BERLIN 

The European Union on Thursday called on Syria's new government to demonstrate its commitment to national unity, saying future aid depends on protecting minorities and avoiding retribution. 

“The developments in Syria, the fall of Assad regime has been long-awaited and a positive development. Of course now it’s the question what comes next, what we can do,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters in Berlin.

She noted that during today's meeting with the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Italy and the UK, they would discuss Europe's support for Ukraine and the latest developments in Syria.

“It is In our interest that there is no radicalization, no persecution of minorities, that the country goes towards a more stable country. This is also in the interest of all the neighboring countries,” Kallas stressed.

The European diplomat said they were in close contact with the regional actors, and neighboring countries regarding the developments.

“Of course Europe is ready to stand with the Syrian people, and also to do more, but our aid also has conditions,” she said. “We want to have a stable country, no persecution of minorities, no revenge, no retaliation. And really unity among all the groups in Syria.”

Dictator Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Sunday after anti-regime groups seized control of Damascus. The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters captured key cities across the country in a swift offensive that lasted less than two weeks.