World News

EU reaches initial deal to lift economic sanctions on Syria: Reports | Politics News

Share
Share

Sanctions were levied during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, who was toppled in December.

European Union countries have given a green light to lifting economic sanctions on Syria in a bid to help the war-torn country recover after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, according to diplomats speaking to news agencies.

Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states struck a preliminary agreement for the move, which should be formally unveiled by foreign ministers meeting in Brussels later on Tuesday, diplomats said, noting that the final decision is up to ministers.

This follows an announcement by the United States last week that it is lifting sanctions on Damascus.

Reporting from the EU headquarters, Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra described the reported agreement to lift the sanctions as a “really significant” development.

“It’s first of all an acknowledgement that the EU recognises the authority which is operating now in Syria, and that there need to be more financial transactions to pave the way for the creation of financial stability and improve the living standards of the people in Syria,” he said.

Sanctions were levied during the rule of al-Assad in 2012 and 2013 and concern the transport, energy and the banking sectors, Ahelbarra said.

The country’s new leadership has urged the West to ease the restrictions to help Syria recover from years of despotic rule and civil war.

EU diplomats told the AFP news agency the agreement should see sanctions cutting Syrian banks off from the global system and freezing central bank assets lifted.

But diplomats said the bloc was intending to impose new individual sanctions on those responsible for stirring ethnic tensions, following deadly attacks targeting the Alawite minority.

Other measures targeting the al-Assad regime and prohibiting the sale of weapons or equipment that could be used to repress civilians were set to remain in place.

The latest move from the EU comes after its first step in February, suspending some sanctions on key Syrian economic sectors.

Officials said those measures could be reimposed if Syria’s new leaders break promises to respect the rights of minorities and move towards democracy.

Share

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles
FIFA Club World Cup semifinals: Qualified teams and full schedule | Football News
World News

FIFA Club World Cup semifinals: Qualified teams and full schedule | Football News

An epic all-European clash and an upstart Brazilian side takes on London’s...

Protesters arrested in the UK for supporting banned Palestine Action group
World News

Protesters arrested in the UK for supporting banned Palestine Action group

Demonstrators were arrested in London on suspicion of ‘terrorism’ for showing support...

French intelligence claims China trying to foil global sale of Rafale jets | Weapons News
World News

French intelligence claims China trying to foil global sale of Rafale jets | Weapons News

French officials allege China’s foreign embassies leading charge to undermine Rafale sales...

Iran tells millions of Afghans to leave or face arrest on day of deadline | Refugees News
World News

Iran tells millions of Afghans to leave or face arrest on day of deadline | Refugees News

Afghans given Sunday deadline amid concerns over security after conflict with Israel,...