The transition underway in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad promises to be difficult and the country should not repeat the “horrific scenarios” of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan, the head of European diplomacy Kaya Kalas warned today.

“We are facing a historic event and we must congratulate the Syrian people for their liberationKalas said during a hearing before the Parliament in Brussels. “However, this transition also presents enormous challenges for Syria and the region“, he added.

“There are legitimate concerns about sectarian violence, the resurgence of extremism and the political vacuum.“, he also stated. “We must prevent a repeat of the horrific scenarios of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan».

Calling for the protection “of all Syrians, including these minorities“, the head of European diplomacy also insisted on the need to defend the territorial integrity of Syria and respect “of its independence and sovereignty».

Callas expressed her full support to Geir Pedersen, the UN envoy for Syria.

The UN official said that the radical Islamist group Hayar Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leader of the rebel coalition, and the other armed groups “they sent a positive message to the Syrian people». “The most important test” will be making the transition, he warned, however.

Syrian Islamist rebels announced today the appointment of a senior figure, Mohammad al-Bashir, to lead the transitional government.