EU foreign ministers will meet to consider easing sanctions on Syria, contingent on political progress following Assad’s ousting.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, mentioned this during a meeting in Riyadh with other diplomats. Saudi Arabia is really pushing for the sanctions to be lifted, arguing that they’re holding back Syria’s recovery after years of civil war.
The situation is pretty complex, though. European countries and the U.S. are still cautious because of the new interim government’s ties to former insurgents. They’ve promised to hold a national dialogue to create a new political roadmap, which is a good sign.
Kallas said they’ll discuss how to ease sanctions during their meeting in Brussels on January 27. But she emphasized that any easing must come with real progress in Syria’s political transition.
Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, is on board with keeping sanctions against those who committed serious crimes but wants a smarter approach that helps the Syrian people. She even announced extra aid for food and medical care.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister also chimed in, saying that keeping sanctions will only hinder Syria’s development. He praised the interim government’s steps toward a political process that includes everyone.
Turkey’s foreign minister added that they want to help Syria normalize its international relations. He stressed the need for balance between what the world expects and what the new Syrian government can realistically achieve.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has already eased some restrictions, allowing certain transactions with the Syrian government. They’ve also dropped a bounty on a rebel leader who played a role in Assad’s ousting.
With Assad gone, the new authorities in Syria are hoping for international support to rebuild the country and get the economy back on track. It’s a lot to unpack, but it seems like there’s a glimmer of hope for Syria’s future.
