ROME – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday defended her government’s controversial decision to appoint an ambassador to Syria, despite the move preceding the fall of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. Speaking to lawmakers in parliament, Meloni dismissed accusations of aligning with the now-deposed Assad regime and reiterated Italy’s commitment to regional stability.
Italy became the only Group of Seven (G7) nation to reopen its embassy in Damascus, a decision announced in July, during a time when Assad still held power. Critics, including opposition lawmaker Giuseppe Provenzano of the Democratic Party (PD), accused Meloni’s administration of attempting to normalize relations with Assad, a figure widely condemned internationally during Syria’s civil war.
“Our ambassador never presented their credentials to Assad,” Meloni clarified during the parliamentary debate. “Maintaining an embassy in Damascus is not equivalent to recognizing a regime. Italy plays a crucial role in stabilizing sensitive regions and ensuring dialogue.”
Meloni also expressed readiness to engage with Syria’s new leadership, citing initial signs of openness while cautioning against premature optimism. “Words must be followed by actions,” she emphasized, noting that the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Christians, would be a litmus test for the new authorities’ legitimacy.
Italy’s move has reignited debate over its foreign policy approach, with some viewing it as pragmatic diplomacy and others as a misstep that could undermine international unity on Syria. Observers will closely monitor Italy’s interactions with the new Syrian government as the country navigates its post-Assad era.