Reuters: EU may soon agree to start reeling back Syrian sanctions

Diplomatic sources revealed that the European Union may soon suspend sanctions on Syria related to energy and transport. 

According to three diplomats and a document obtained by the Reuters agency, diplomats from 27 member states of the union recommended taking prompt action to suspend restrictions in areas crucial for the recovery and stabilization of the Syrian economy.

Representatives from the group coordinating the foreign policy positions of EU members regarding the Middle East and North Africa also advised considering the possibility of resuming banking and investment relations with Syria.

At the same time, the sources note that, should an agreement be reached, the easing of sanctions will occur "in a reversible manner" and will involve regular assessments to determine whether the current situation in Syria allows for the continuation of this process.

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the matter at a meeting in Brussels on January 27. The bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Reuters earlier that she hoped a political agreement on easing the sanctions on Syria can be reached at the gathering.

Reuters suggests that EU officials see transport as key for helping Syria’s airports become fully operational, which in turn could facilitate the return of refugees. Energy and electricity are similarly seen as important for improving living conditions to help stabilise the country and encourage citizens to come back.

As Caliber.Az previously reported, the EU reportedly urged Syria to eliminate all foreign military presence, including Russian military bases, as part of it's efforts to lift sanctions.

By Nazrin Sadigova