EU to Lift Syria Sanctions
The EU is lifting its remaining sanctions against Syria, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said this week.
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"We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," she said on social media. "The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the last 14 years -- and will keep doing so."
Kallas' comments came as EU foreign ministers agreed to lift the sanctions to give the Syrian people a "chance to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria free from harmful foreign interference," the Council of the European Union said May 20.
The bloc suspended certain Syrian sanctions in February (see 2504070013), but the council said more restrictions will be lifted in light of last year’s fall of the Bashar Assad regime.
The EU still will impose sanctions "related to the Assad regime in line with its call for accountability as well as sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and technology that might be used for internal repression," the council said. The bloc also will introduce "additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria."
But other sanctions will be removed as the EU works with the transitional Syrian government to restore human rights and freedoms in the country, the council said. "The EU will continue monitoring developments on the ground, including progress on accountability with regard to recent violence outbreaks, as well as the effects of today’s decision, including in view of upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meetings. The Council will remain seized on the matter of restrictive measures and sanctions in the context of Syria."