Paris (TDI): France’s foreign minister said Wednesday that European Union sanctions in Syria that obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance and hinder the country’s recovery could be lifted swiftly.
The US on Monday issued a sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria for 6 months after the end of Assad’s rule to try to ease the flow of humanitarian aid.
Speaking to France Inter radio, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated the EU could take a similar decision soon without giving precise timing, Reuters reported.
He added that lifting more political sanctions would depend on how the new leadership in Syria handled the transition and ensured exclusivity.
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“Some sanctions currently obstruct humanitarian assistance and hinders the country’s recovery. These could be lifted swiftly,” said Barrot, who called on Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Friday with Germany’s foreign minister.
“Lastly, there are additional sanctions under discussions with our partners in Europe, which could be lifted, depending on how Syria meets our expectations regarding women and security.”
Syria suffers from severe power shortages, with state-supplied electricity only available two or three hours per day in most areas.
The caretaker government says it intended to provide electricity for up to 8 hours per day within two months.
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The US waivers allow some energy transactions and personal remittances to the country until July 7, but do not remove any sanctions.
