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Six European countries push to ease sanctions on Syria... Brussels links it to protection of minorities
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The EU's efforts to ease sanctions show a genuine desire to support democratic transition in Syria, conditional on guaranteeing the rights of all components of Syrian society
While the European Union prepares to discuss lifting sanctions on Syria at a meeting in Brussels at the end of January, this issue remains the main focus of attention.
Al Arabiya/Al Hadath's correspondent in Brussels revealed today, Monday, citing informed sources, that six European countries are leading the call to ease sanctions imposed on Syria, including Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark.
The discussion about easing sanctions during the EU foreign ministers' meeting covered transport, oil, gas sectors, and some banking activities. Sources indicated that this decision is linked to implementing measures ensuring respect for minority and women's rights.
It has become virtually certain that the easing of sanctions will be announced at the EU foreign ministers' meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, where European diplomats noted that the decision to ease sanctions is based on the results of the Riyadh conference and talks with Damascus.
Diplomats confirmed that the EU will maintain the sanctions option to incentivize reforms in Syria.
Previously, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, during her meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani yesterday Sunday on the sidelines of the Riyadh conference, reviewed the necessary requirements for proceeding with sanctions relief.
She stated in a brief statement via X platform that "the new administration must now launch a peaceful and inclusive transition process that protects all minorities," adding "afterward, EU foreign ministers will discuss how to ease sanctions."
Syria faces several crucial files including easing Western sanctions, restricting weapons to state control, addressing the armed factions issue, organizing a national dialogue conference, drafting a new constitution, and preparing for elections.
Western friendly powers, including the United States and the European Union, had imposed sanctions on the previous regime's government due to its handling of peaceful protests in 2011, while the toll of the conflict that lasted for more than 13 years exceeded half a million deaths, with destruction of economic infrastructure and displacement of millions from their homes.
Levant-Agencies
