The EU is preparing to cautiously ease sanctions on Syria


European Union foreign ministers are preparing to lift some sanctions on Syria, the union’s top diplomat told reporters on Monday, a move intended to give Syria’s new government some economic breathing room after more than a decade of strict restrictions.

The European Union originally imposed comprehensive trade restrictions on Syria while it was under the control of President Bashar al-Assad, but after his overthrow in Decemberpreparing to return them in stages.

“We expect that today we will make a decision, draw up a road map for the easing of sanctions,” diplomat Kaja Kallas, he told reporters while it started in EU foreign affairs council meeting.

The aim is to give the new Syrian government some relief, while at the same time giving time to determine whether the new Syrian government structure under the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will develop in a way that is in line with EU values.

“We’re starting with the sanctions they need most to really start building the country, and then we’ll see if the steps are going in the right direction,” Ms Kallas said on Monday morning.

Sanctions on Syria they included oil and arms embargoes, restrictions on the export and import of some technological goods, and severe financial restrictions. Getting them back is likely to be a delicate process.

This is because Europe is still evaluating rise to power Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a name meaning Organization for the Liberation of the Levant. The group is a former Al Qaeda affiliate, although it broke away years ago. But many Western countries still consider Hayat Tahrir al-Sham a terrorist group and watch its actions warily.

The United States, for example, has relaxed restrictions on humanitarian aid to Syria and gave up some financial sanctions in an effort to provide basic services but left many others restrictions while waiting to see how the new government takes shape.

Brussels is also cautious. Ms. Kallas added during her address on Monday that the European Union is “ready to open” its embassy in Damascus, “so that we really have eyes and ears on the ground.”

She said the new government is saying the right things – its leaders they promised free the land from oppression. But she added that it would be important to see how these statements turn into actions.

“Syria’s future is fragile but full of hope,” Ms Kallas said. “We must also give space for the right steps to be taken.”

Syria implements very little trade with Europe, largely because of the comprehensive sanctions program the European Union began constructing shortly after the uprising that began in 2011 against decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family.

The Assad family — Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father Hafez, who came to power in 1971 — ran a vast security state with a secret police and prison networks known for brutal torture tactics against political opponents.

During the uprising, human rights groups warned that these prisons had become places of mass extermination, killing thousands of detainees.

As the rebellion turned into civil war, Mr. al-Assad’s army launched a heavy bombardment of cities across the country, including the use of chemical weapons, and imposed months-long sieges.

The campaign has led to a massive displacement of Syrians across the country and forced millions to seek refuge abroad. About a million went to Europe.

Since the fall of Mr. al-Assad, EU leaders have emphasized that the new Syrian government must respect human rights while resisting terrorism.

As foreign ministers gather in Brussels, they are set to discuss several issues. Although relations with the United States are on the agenda, as well Belarusian electionssanctions against Syria are perhaps the most watched item.

“We have a step-by-step approach,” Ms Kallas said. “If they make strides, then we’re willing to make strides.”



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