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Germany Proposes an Innovative Approach to Sanctions on Syria
During its participation in the expanded meeting on Syria in Riyadh, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock proposed the need for a smart approach to the Western sanctions imposed on Syria.
Baerbock stated during a brief press briefing on Sunday that Germany seeks to "implement a smart approach to sanctions aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and enabling them to reap the benefits of political transformation more quickly."
The minister confirmed the continuation of sanctions against "those complicit with former President Bashar al-Assad, who committed serious violations during the civil war."
Baerbock also announced an allocation of an additional 50 million euros to support Damascus in providing food, emergency shelter, and essential medical services.
These statements come after confirmation from sources in the German Foreign Ministry last Tuesday that Berlin is leading discussions within the European Union to explore the possibility of easing sanctions imposed on Syria to help the Syrian people.
This initiative follows Baerbock's visit to Damascus and her meeting with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad al-Shara.
Berlin, like many other European capitals, indicates that the complete lifting of sanctions depends on what is referred to as the "new governance map in Syria," which requires the formation of a government that represents all spectrums and orientations, in addition to protecting human rights and combating terrorism.
