Germany pushing for EU to relax sanctions on Syria

BERLIN: Germany is leading efforts for the European Union (EU) to ease sanctions imposed on Syria during the rule of President Bashar al-Assad who was ousted last month, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

Officials from Germany circulated two proposal documents among EU capitals shortly before Christmas outlining suggestions for the main areas where the bloc’s sanctions on Syria could be eased, the report said, citing two people familiar with the matter.

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The documents reportedly outline how the EU could gradually ease restrictions on Damascus in return for progress on social issues, including safeguarding minority and women’s rights and upholding commitments to ensuring non-proliferation of weapons.

The FT, citing an unnamed source familiar with the EU discussions, added that, like Washington, the bloc could make any easing of sanctions temporary to ensure that it could be reversed if necessary.

Germany’s foreign ministry declined to comment on the report.

Earlier this month German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock travelled to Syria for a one-day trip with her French counterpart on behalf of the EU, where she met with the leader of Syria’s new rulers, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

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Baerbock said during her visit that all Syrian groups including women and Kurds must be involved in the country’s transition if Damascus wants European support.