EU foreign ministers will discuss the issue when they meet in Brussels on Monday.
The European Union is close to ending energy and transport-related sanctions on Syria but has yet to agree on whether to ease restrictions on financial transactions, three diplomats and an EU document told Reuters.
EU foreign ministers will discuss the issue when they meet in Brussels on Monday. EU foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas told the agency on Wednesday that she hoped to reach a political agreement to ease sanctions at the meeting.
Officials believe transportation is key to getting Syria’s airports back to full operation, which could facilitate the return of refugees.
Energy and electricity are also considered important for improving living conditions, which will help stabilize the country and encourage citizens to return.
According to the EU document, diplomats from 27 member states recommended swift action to suspend restrictions “in sectors essential for economic stabilization and the launch of economic reconstruction in Syria, such as energy and transportation.”
The diplomats also recommended “examining options for resuming banking and investment relations with Syria.”
According to diplomats, the easing of EU restrictions will be carried out in stages, with a regular assessment of whether conditions in Syria allow for further suspension of sanctions.
The wording of the document is a compromise between EU capitals. Some governments want to move quickly to suspend sanctions, while others prefer a more cautious and gradual approach to ensure Europe maintains leverage.
We remind you that President Vladimir Zelensky said that Ukraine sent 500 tons of flour to Syria as part of the “Grain from Ukraine” program in cooperation with the World Food Program.
Zelensky also said that a strategy for Syria is being developed. And the Foreign Ministry reported that contact has been established with the new Syrian authorities at the level of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Source: korrespondent
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