Turkey Urges EU to Lift Sanctions on Syria Ahead of Vital Conference

Turkey has called on the EU to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria, emphasizing the need for economic recovery ahead of the 9th International Conference on Syria. The conference will see participation from Syria’s interim government and aims to address humanitarian crises. Key discussions will focus on international support and the importance of lifting sanctions to foster stability and facilitate reconstruction efforts for returning refugees.

On March 16, 2025, Turkey urged the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions imposed on Syria in a significant move ahead of the 9th International Conference on Syria. This request is deemed essential to facilitate a “peaceful transition” in light of the ongoing political turbulence following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad.

The conference, set for March 17, 2025, aims to garner international support for Syria’s recovery and transition. Notably, this year will witness the participation of representatives from Syria’s interim government, a development anticipated to inject new momentum to address the humanitarian crises affecting the war-ravaged nation.

Turkey’s foreign ministry stated that “Syria’s economic security is fundamental for the stability and security of the country,” underscoring the necessity of lifting sanctions. The ministry emphasized that the sanctions should be lifted unconditionally and for an indeterminate period, highlighting the importance of creating economic opportunities and jobs as a means to restore stability.

In a preliminary step towards aiding the transition, the EU recently eased certain sanctions on Syria’s energy, transport, and banking sectors. Turkey’s perspective on reconstruction is particularly urgent as it hosts nearly three million Syrian refugees and is advocating for their safe return as reconstruction initiatives progress.

Representing Turkey at the Brussels conference will be Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, who is expected to address several critical issues. His remarks will include the need for international support for Syria’s transition and the importance of creating economic opportunities for returning refugees, while also arguing that economic sanctions are obstructing recovery efforts.

This conference is not only a venue for financial pledges; it also represents a pivotal opportunity to reset relations with the new Syrian authorities. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, acknowledged the severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by recent violence and expressed hope stemming from potential agreements in the region. She stated, “This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria, as tragically evidenced by the recent wave of violence.”

Kallas emphasized the significant opportunity presented by this year’s conference, following a crucial agreement on March 10, 2025, between the Syrian Interim authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. She affirmed the EU’s long-standing commitment to supporting the Syrian people through both crisis and recovery phases.

The EU’s role remains critical. Since the inception of the Syrian civil war over 13 years ago, the EU has become the largest donor, mobilizing more than €35 billion (approximately $38.2 billion) for humanitarian aid. This year’s conference is expected to be vital not just for fundraising but also for ensuring continued international engagement in Syria’s recovery.

Additionally, Hadja Lahbib, the Commissioner for Equality, reiterated the importance of focusing on recovery and transitional stability. She asserted, “The EU stands with the Syrian people on their path to recovery, peace, and a secure future,” highlighting the need for coordinated efforts from nations committed to reform and support.

Syria’s road to recovery presents numerous challenges, with approximately 16.5 million individuals requiring humanitarian assistance, including 12.9 million needing food aid. Over a decade of conflict has ravaged the economy, plunging many citizens into extreme poverty.

The upcoming conference will host senior officials from various nations and international organizations committed to aiding Syria through this crucial transition. They aim not only to secure significant financial pledges but also to foster progress across various domains to enable holistic recovery. The Brussels conference epitomizes Turkey’s urgent call for the unconditional lifting of sanctions and reflects a collective aspiration for stability and peace in Syria, offering a chance for its people to rebuild their homeland.

Turkey’s appeal for the unconditional lifting of sanctions on Syria highlights the critical need for international cooperation in aiding Syria’s recovery. As the EU prepares for the conference, it aims to address pressing humanitarian issues while fostering stability through support for the interim government. The combined efforts during this pivotal conference could catalyze a path to recovery for the war-torn nation, signifying a collective commitment to restoring peace and security for the Syrian people.

Original Source: evrimagaci.org