European Ministers to Discuss Lifting Sanctions on Syria

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, European foreign ministers have agreed to meet at the end of January to discuss lifting sanctions on Syria. This decision follows a regional meeting where ministers and diplomats from Western nations gathered for the first time since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced a meeting in Brussels on January 27 to explore the issue of sanctions. The EU aims for an inclusive Syrian government that respects women's and minorities' rights, with the possibility of reversing any easing of sanctions.

Calls for Lifting Sanctions

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, emphasized the need to lift sanctions, stating they hinder Syria's development. Syria's new Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, also attended the talks, advocating for the removal of sanctions. The meeting included officials from the US, Germany, and the UK.

Support for Syria's Reconstruction

A statement from the Saudi foreign ministry called for lifting sanctions to aid Syria's reconstruction and expressed concerns over Israel's actions in the Golan Heights. The conference comes as Syria's new administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, calls for sanctions to be lifted to allow international funding.

EU's Approach to Sanctions

Germany, Italy, and France have advocated for relaxing EU sanctions, but any decision requires approval from all EU members. Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, stated that sanctions against al-Assad's allies must remain, but a "smart approach" to sanctions is needed to offer relief to the Syrian population.

The meeting in Riyadh marked the first time Syria's new rulers participated in discussions with Western officials, following diplomatic meetings in Rome and Jordan.