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The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, made statements to the press at the end of the EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting. FIRST CONTACT WITH THE NEW GOVERNMENT IN DAMASCUSKallas stated that developments in Syria were discussed following the collapse of the Baath regime, and mentioned that a high-level delegation from the EU's representation in Beirut, Lebanon, contacted the new government in Damascus today. "THERE ARE BASIC PRINCIPLES AGREED UPON BY TURKEY, THE US, AND THE EU"Kallas continued, "The delegation participated in some high-level meetings in Damascus. The aim was to be in contact with the country's new authorities and to understand how the group plans to govern the country. There are basic principles agreed upon by everyone, including Arab countries, neighboring countries, Turkey, the US, and the EU. These are principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, accountability, and also inclusive governance that particularly considers the rights of minorities and women." "SYRIA MUST REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF THE SYRIAN PEOPLE"Emphasizing that the upcoming process should be conducted without external intervention, Kallas stated, "It must belong to Syria and reflect the diversity of the Syrian people. This is very, very important. There should be no place for extremism, Iran, and Russia in Syria's future." Kallas reported that many ministers expressed the view that the EU's relationship with the new government in Damascus should be contingent upon completely eliminating Russia's influence in the country during the meeting.
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