KSA pressures EU officials to lift sanctions on Syria
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan says international and unilateral sanctions on Syria should be lifted, stressing the importance of economic recovery in the country.
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud speaks during a press briefing, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 12, 2025. (AP)
In a meeting on Sunday, Saudi Arabia called on senior European diplomats to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria to support the country's reconstruction and economic recovery after the removal of President Bashar al-Assad last month, reported Politico.
Diplomats from Europe and the Middle East gathered in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, to discuss the future of Syria.
The United States and European countries have expressed caution regarding the "Islamic roots" of Syria's new leaders, emphasizing that the lifting of sanctions hinges on progress in the political transition.
According to Politico, the interim government has pledged to transition to an open, pluralistic system. The report added that the interim government is seeking international support as Syria works to recover from nearly 14 years of war.
It is worth mentioning that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani attended the meeting on Sunday.
Saudi FM calls for lifting of sanctions
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized during the meeting that international and unilateral sanctions on Syria should be lifted.
He said by maintaining the sanctions, the Syrian people will not be able to "achieve development and reconstruction."
Continuing them [sanctions] “will hinder the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people to achieve development and reconstruction,” he said. Additionally, he also praised the interim government's efforts so far, including promises to initiate a political process "that encompasses various components" of the Syrian population.
Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Policy chief, who also participated in the meeting, stated that European countries seek a government in Syria that represents all religious and ethnic groups. She added, "We also want to see the inclusion of women in this process, so these are the issues we will discuss."
Moreover, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkiye, a staunch supporter of the Syrian opposition to al-Assad, will strive to assist Syria in normalizing its relations with the international community.
He added that it is crucial to establish a "balance between the expectations of the international community and the reality faced by the new administration in Syria."
Fidan also pledged Turkey's support for the new government, adding, "As Turkiye, we are ready to do our part in easing the challenging path ahead for the Syrian people."
Decision on sanctions on January 27
European foreign ministers are set to convene in Brussels on January 27 to deliberate on lifting sanctions against Syria, European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Sunday.
Speaking in Riyadh ahead of a conference involving Middle Eastern and Western diplomats, as well as Syria's new foreign minister, Kallas noted that any easing of sanctions would be conditional on the new administration's governance approach.
"The principle of including different groups, women, and ensuring no radicalization is critical," Kallas stated. She added, "If we see the developments going to the right direction, we are ready to do the next steps... If we see that it's not going to the right direction, then we can also move back on this."
