IMF says it is ready to support Syria’s reconstruction when conditions allow [Getty]
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is ready to assist Syria’s rebuilding efforts alongside the international community, but continues to assess the unpredictable situation on the ground.
During a press conference on Tuesday, IFM spokesperson Julie Kozack said that while the organisation is monitoring developments in Syria, it cannot yet make a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s financial challenges.
“It’s too early to make an economic assessment. We are closely monitoring the situation, and we stand ready to support the international community’s efforts to assist serious reconstruction as needed and when conditions allow,” she said.
The IMF has not had any significant interaction with the Syrian government since 2009, prior to the outbreak of the civil war.
The organization’s lack of recent consultations with Syrian authorities has left it unable to fully grasp the extent of Syria’s financial situation, the obstacles it faces, and the most effective path forward.
The absence of direct communication underscores the challenges in engaging with a country that has been ravaged by over a decade of conflict.
Despite these obstacles, Kozack pointed out that the country is facing severe humanitarian, social, and economic challenges following 13 years of civil war.
The spokesperson expressed hope that Syria could begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding, noting that it is essential to address these issues in order to revitalize the economy and restore stability.
“The Syrian people have suffered for far too long. We hope that the country can now begin to address its deep humanitarian, social and economic challenges, and to begin the rehabilitation of the Syrian economy,” Kozack said.
The IMF’s cautious approach comes as the situation in Syria remains highly uncertain. Although many Syrian refugees have started returning home following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the political landscape is still in flux.
The new Syrian interim government is led by the Syrian Salvation Government and dominated by members of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This adds a layer of complexity to an already volatile environment, making international involvement in reconstruction efforts more challenging.
The IMF has stressed that any support for Syria’s reconstruction would depend on the political and security conditions within the country.
The organisation also stated that it is committed to standing alongside the international community to assist in Syria’s rehabilitation when the appropriate conditions emerge. However, the IFM has made it clear that without stability and a conducive political environment, its assistance would be limited.
