Turkey Calls for Unconditional Lifting of EU Sanctions on Syria Ahead of Aid Conference

Turkey urged the EU to lift sanctions on Syria ahead of an international aid conference. This request is linked to the new Syrian authorities, who took power after ousting Bashar al-Assad. The EU has previously eased some sanctions; however, concerns about governance and minority rights persist, prompting a cautious approach.

Turkey has formally requested the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions imposed on Syria, coinciding with an upcoming international aid conference in Brussels that includes representatives from Syria’s new authorities. The Turkish Foreign Ministry asserts that lifting these sanctions is vital for ensuring a peaceful transition within Syria after the regime change that saw Bashar al-Assad ousted in December.

The ninth international conference in support of Syria is set to take place on Monday, marking the first instance in which the interim Syrian government’s representatives have been invited. The primary objective of this gathering is to garner global support for Syria’s reconstruction and recovery following over 13 years of devastating civil conflict.

On February 24, the European Union took a preliminary step by easing sanctions on Syria’s energy, transport, and banking sectors, aimed at alleviating some of the economic burdens faced by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa. Despite this easing, concerns remain regarding the intentions of Sharaa’s Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a central role in the ousting of Assad.

While there is cautious optimism that the new authorities may stabilize Syria, ongoing violence against the Alawite minority raises uncertainties about the country’s future. EU foreign ministers have noted that any breaches of commitments regarding the rights of minorities and democratic reforms could lead to the reinstatement of previously eased sanctions.

Turkey’s Ministry emphasized that “Syria’s economic security is essential for the country’s stability and security,” advocating for the unconditional lifting of sanctions. Additionally, Turkey, which currently accommodates nearly three million Syrian refugees, is calling for reconstruction efforts to facilitate their return. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is expected to represent Turkey at the Brussels conference.

In summary, Turkey has urged the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria to foster a peaceful transition following the recent regime change. The ongoing international aid conference aims to support Syria’s recovery, while the EU expresses caution towards the new authorities amidst concerns regarding minority rights and democratic governance. Turkey seeks to promote economic stability and assist in the reconstruction efforts to facilitate the return of refugees.

Original Source: www.newarab.com