Saudi Arabia urged EU diplomats to lift sanctions on Syria during a recent meeting in Riyadh, aiming to support the country’s recovery after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. While the new Syrian government seeks international assistance, European and U.S. officials remain cautious due to the leadership’s Islamist ties. The EU plans to discuss sanctions further in a January meeting.
On Sunday, Saudi Arabia convened a meeting with prominent diplomats from the European Union in the capital city of Riyadh. The primary purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the situation in Syria, where representatives from Saudi Arabia urged EU diplomats to consider lifting sanctions aimed at stimulating economic recovery in the country following the ousting of the regime led by Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. While the interim government, formed by former rebels after the civil unrest, expresses intentions to transition to a more open and diverse political system, the United States and its European allies maintain a cautious stance due to the Islamist affiliations of Syria’s new leadership.
Diplomats emphasized that any lifting of sanctions would be contingent upon the progress of Syria’s political landscape. The new government, represented by Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaybani, seeks international backing as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a devastating civil war that resulted in approximately 500,000 fatalities and displaced half the pre-war population of 23 million. This context underscores the urgency for support to facilitate recovery and rebuild the war-torn nation. During the meeting, Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced that a gathering of EU foreign ministers is scheduled in late January, where the possibility of sanction alleviation will be further explored.
The ongoing civil conflict in Syria has had catastrophic humanitarian consequences, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread displacement. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, the political landscape has dramatically shifted, with former rebel factions establishing an interim government. This government seeks to garner international assistance to revive the economy and implement a pluralistic political framework. The role of international powers, particularly the EU and the United States, remains critical in determining the future of Syrian governance and recovery efforts.
In summary, Saudi Arabia has taken a proactive role in advocating for the lifting of EU sanctions against Syria to facilitate reconstruction and political reform following a prolonged civil conflict. The discussions highlight the complex dynamics at play, as international support is contingent on the governance model adopted by Syria’s interim authorities. With a meeting of EU foreign ministers on the horizon, the outcomes of these diplomatic efforts will be pivotal for Syria’s recovery and future stability.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
