EU suspends several economic sanctions on Syria

Domestic Newsfeature

The European Union EU Council decided after its meeting today in the Belgian capital, Brussels, to suspend a number of sanctions and restrictive measures imposed on Syria under the former regime.

The EU Council said in a statement published on its official website that the Union aims through this measure to facilitate dealings with Syria, its people and its companies in key areas such as energy and transportation, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions related to these sectors and those necessary for humanitarian purposes and reconstruction.

The statement indicated that the Council decided to suspend restrictive measures in the energy sectors (including oil, gas and electricity), and transportation, and to remove five entities including banks (Industrial, Popular Credit, Savings, and Agricultural Cooperative), in addition to Syrian Arab Airlines, from the list of entities subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources, as well as allowing the provision of funds and economic resources to the Central Bank of Syria.

“In follow-up of today’s decision, the Council will continue its work, assessing whether further economic sanctions can be suspended,” The statement added It stressed that it “maintains lists relating to the Assad regime, the chemical weapons sector, and the illicit drug trade, as well as a number of measures regarding the arms trade, dual-use goods, and the import and export of Syrian cultural heritage goods.”

The statement pointed out that “the restrictive measures imposed by the European Union were used as a tool against the Assad regime, which was responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian civilian population.

“The fall of this regime represents the beginning of a new era of hope for the Syrian people. All Syrians, in the country and in the diaspora, should have the opportunity to participate in rebuilding their country. The European Union stands by the Syrian people at this moment of transition.” The EU stressed

Rawaa Ghanam

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