Germany has proposed easing EU sanctions against Syria following the overthrow of longtime king Bashar al-Assad. Saudi Arabia is hosting an international conference on the situation in the war-torn country on Sunday.
“We as the international community must not let the opportunity for Syria’s future pass us by, despite all reasonable doubts. That is why we in Germany and Europe are now taking the first steps,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. on the sidelines of the conference in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
Sanctions against members of al-Assad’s regime, who committed serious crimes during the civil war, will have to be maintained, he said.
But the German government is proposing a “smart way” for the European Union to support the Syrian people immediately, ensuring that there is food to eat and more electricity every day to start rebuilding, he added.
“All of this promotes stability and ensures a peaceful transfer of power,” Baerbock said.
The EU official, Kaja Kallas, who also attended the conference, wrote in X that the organization will look at how the sanctions will be reduced.
“But this must be followed by tangible progress in political change that reflects Syria in all its diversity,” he added.
The EU imposed sanctions against Syria due to the government’s violent crackdown on civilians in 2011.
These are aimed at the current government and its supporters, as well as the economic sectors that the government benefits from.
These include, for example, a ban on investment in the Syrian oil industry and companies involved in the construction of new power plants in the country, a ban on the import of crude oil from Syria, an arms embargo and further exports. restrictions.
Saudi Arabia wants the sanctions lifted
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday called for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria.
“Their continuation will hinder the aspirations of the Syrian brothers to achieve development and reconstruction,” he said at a press conference at the end of the one-day rally.
Besides Kallas, Baerbock and other representatives of Western countries, those who participated in the conference included foreign ministers from countries neighboring Syria – Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon – as well as those from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Syria’s caretaker minister, Hassan al-Shibani, was also present.
Among other topics, they discussed the political process for a permanent stability in Syria, the humanitarian situation and the reconstruction of the country.
The Saudi minister said the participants welcomed the “good” steps taken by the new Syrian administration to maintain state institutions, start an inclusive political process in Syria and commit to fighting terrorism.
Syria has been in a period of political restructuring since the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led the uprising that led to the overthrow of al-Assad last month after nearly 14 years of civil war.
Al-Assad, who ruled Syria for more than two decades, fled to Russia after rebels overran the capital, Damascus.
HTS is now leading the interim government, which is being closely watched abroad, especially for its handling of women’s rights and religious minorities.
Meanwhile, fighting continues, especially in the north of the country, where Kurdish militias are fighting Turkish-backed groups.
Baerbock promises more personal support
Baerbock also announced in Riyadh that Germany will provide 50 million Euros (51 million dollars) in humanitarian aid to Syria.
The money, which will be given to the UN World Food Program and various non-governmental organizations, will be used for food, emergency shelter and medical care, he said.
“People in different regions urgently need the improvement of their living conditions in order for there to be a very important political change,” said Baerbock.
He also repeated his call for the crimes of the al-Assad regime to be investigated.
The civil war in Syria has had painful consequences for the people of that country, for the infrastructure and the economy, as 16 million people are in need of aid and 70% of the people live in poverty.
The economy has shrunk by 85% since 2011 and it is estimated that rebuilding would cost between $250 billion and $400 billion.
The Riyadh gathering emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian and economic support to Syria and helping to create a “fair environment” for the return of Syrian refugees, according to the Saudi foreign minister.
About 13 million people were expelled from the country or fled abroad.
The talks in Riyadh looked at measures to support the Syrians “in this important phase of their history, and help them rebuild Syria as a united, independent and safe Arab country for all its citizens, with no place for terrorism, no violation of its sovereignty. or abuse of its territories from any group,” it said the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
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