Several EU countries call for temporary suspension of Syria sanctions

Six European Union member states have urged the bloc to temporarily lift sanctions on Syria, particularly in the sectors of transport, energy, and banking, following significant political developments in the country.

This proposal is set to be discussed by EU foreign ministers during a meeting scheduled for January 27 in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The push to reassess the EU’s stance on Syria follows the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, as insurgent forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control of key areas of the country. HTS is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, most Western nations, and the United Nations.

The document, signed by Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark, calls for the EU to "immediately begin adjusting the sanctions regime." The nations argue that certain restrictions should be eased to facilitate civilian air travel, allow exports of oil and gas technology, and reopen financial channels between the EU and Syria. The paper also advocates for the reevaluation of sanctions on high-value goods.

However, the document stresses that these measures are contingent on the new Syrian leadership respecting human rights and minority protections. Should these conditions not be met, the EU reserves the right to reinstate sanctions or implement a "snapback" mechanism to reapply previously lifted restrictions. Notably, sanctions targeting members of the Assad administration and their supporters are expected to remain in place.

The document also addresses the issue of HTS, noting that any decision to lift sanctions on the group would require discussions at the United Nations level, with coordination among close partners. The EU’s approach will be guided by assessments of HTS and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as developments on the ground in Syria.

The United States recently issued a sanctions exemption for transactions with Syrian governing institutions for six months to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance. EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, met Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, in Riyadh, where diplomats from both the Middle East and the West gathered to discuss Syria's future. Kallas emphasized the need for Syria's new leadership to deliver on promises of a peaceful and inclusive transition that safeguards the rights of all minorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva