Beirut, Lebanon – Finland’s Ambassador to Lebanon and Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus, Anni Meskanen, emphasized Wednesday the need for administrative decentralization and inclusive governance in Syria, asserting that meaningful recovery cannot occur without rebuilding state institutions on the foundations of justice, accountability, and participation.
In remarks to Al Arabiya, Meskanen was commenting on the recent deadly violence in southern Syria, particularly in Suwayda, where fierce clashes broke out between Druze fighters and government-loyal Bedouin tribal groups, coinciding with Israeli airstrikes on Damascus.
Related: U.S. Envoy: Syrian Government Must Be Held Accountable for Suwayda Violence
“The security situation in southern Syria is extremely dangerous and alarming,” Meskanen said, adding that Finland, along with the European Union, calls on all foreign actors to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
She stated that military actions, including Israeli airstrikes, “undermine stability and obstruct the prospects of peaceful transition.”
On paths to internal stability, the ambassador stressed that administrative decentralization must be implemented in practice, not merely promoted as a political slogan.
“It is vital that local authorities are granted real financial and administrative powers to address security, social, and service-related issues specific to their regions,” Meskanen said.
Related: Syria-Israel Talks Underway in Baku to Contain Escalation in Suwayda
She clarified that such a model is not separatist in nature but rather strengthens national unity through justice and equitable representation.
Meskanen also said Finland looks forward to a genuinely inclusive Syrian government, one that represents all segments of society, including women and minorities, on an equal footing.
She noted that President Ahmad al-Sharaa and his administration must now deliver on their promises to build a Syria based on national reconciliation, the rule of law, separation of powers, and guarantees of fundamental freedoms.
Regarding responsibility for the recent violence, the ambassador said the Syrian authorities are accountable for restoring calm and ensuring accountability for all crimes committed.
“Justice must be a core pillar of reconstruction,” she added, “which is not only about infrastructure but also includes institutional, ethical, and political reform.”
Commenting on the latest escalation, Meskanen called on Israel to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and respect the demilitarized zone, reaffirming Finland’s opposition to any unilateral foreign military presence on Syrian soil.
Since mid-July, Suwayda has seen armed confrontations between local Druze militias and government-loyal Bedouin tribal groups, prompting government forces to intervene. The unrest coincided with Israeli air raids targeting sites near the presidential palace and the general staff headquarters in Damascus, citing the protection of Druze communities.
On July 17, Syrian government forces withdrew from Suwayda following a ceasefire deal, followed by a presidential call on July 19 for an immediate halt to the fighting and the redeployment of security forces to restore order.
The United States later confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Syria and Israel.
