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Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Two were martyred in an initial toll of the Israeli drone strike that targeted the al-Asira neighborhood in the city of Baalbek, eastern Lebanon
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli drone strike targeted the al-Asira neighborhood east of Baalbek, eastern Lebanon
Sheikh Naim Qassem to the pager attack survivors: You are the greatest resistance. Know that 'Israel' will fall because it embodies aggression, crime, and occupation; victory is truly yours
Sheikh Qassem to the pager attack survivors: The value of what you are doing despite your wounds is immense, and here you are, treading the path of the Master of Nation's Martyrs and the leaders
Sheikh Qassem to the pager attack survivors: You are moving forward with insight deeper than sight itself. The enemy sought to eliminate your role in the battle, yet you remain steadfast and continue the fight
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem to the pager attack survivors one year later: You are healing from your wounds and rising above them. You have successfully passed the test
Palestinian media: Reports of stabbing operation in occupied al-Quds.
Israeli media: Sirens blare in Arava in South, near Ramon Airport.
Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouli: Egypt is targeted in plans to redraw regional map
AEOI Chief Mohammad Eslami: Our presence in IAEA General Council and fact-checking helped in preventing unilateral rhetoric that aims to portray Iran as an unregulated country

EU to decide on Syria sanctions at January 27 meeting

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 12 Jan 2025 18:07
3 Min Read

The US has already eased some restrictions on Syria, granting a six-month exemption for certain transactions with Syrian governing institutions to enable humanitarian assistance and limited energy deals.

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    Germany's foreign minister Annalena Baerbock speaks to the press during a conference on Syria's future attended by top European and Middle Eastern diplomats hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Anwer Baraa)

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."

There are both hope and challenges in Syria.

Today in Riyadh, I will exchange with the Foreign Ministers from the Gulf States, the Middle East and Europe on the transition since the fall of the Assad regime.

It is important that Syria’s Hassan al-Shibani is here too. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Am3Fq76Nua

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 12, 2025

The discussions come after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8 in a rapid offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Islamist group, formerly linked to al-Qaeda, has since established an interim government in Damascus, prompting calls from Syria's new leadership to lift international sanctions and facilitate funding for reconstruction efforts.

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Germany on the lead

Germany has taken the lead in the EU's discussions. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock affirmed the importance of maintaining sanctions on those responsible for alleged war crimes while providing relief to the Syrian population.

"Sanctions against Assad's henchmen who committed serious crimes during the civil war must remain in place," she said in Riyadh. Baerbock also announced €50 million in aid for food, emergency shelters, and medical care.

Meanwhile, the US recently eased restrictions, granting a six-month exemption for certain transactions with Syrian governing institutions to enable humanitarian assistance and limited energy deals. The US also removed a $10 million bounty on Ahmad al-Sharaa, the HTS leader who led the campaign against Assad. Al-Sharaa, once associated with al-Qaeda, has distanced himself from the group and promised a government inclusive of religious minorities.

Read more: Russia must exit Syria for EU to lift sanctions on HTS: Dutch FM

The Riyadh conference, hosted by Saudi Arabia, marks the first high-level gathering of Western and Middle Eastern diplomats since Assad's removal. Discussions are focused on supporting Syria's interim authorities while addressing accountability for alleged war crimes committed during Assad's tenure. A statement from the UK Foreign Office highlighted the importance of ensuring mechanisms to hold the Assad regime accountable.

Syria's new leadership hopes the international community will mobilize funds to rebuild its devastated infrastructure and revitalize its economy. However, the process remains fraught with challenges amid the controversial appointment of jihadists in key leadership positions.

  • Syria
  • Sanctions on Syria
  • HTS
  • European Union

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