Saudi Arabia called on top European diplomats to lift sanctions against Syria in order to support the rebuilding of the country and its economy following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad. The meeting in Riyadh focused on Syria’s future, with the interim government led by former rebels working towards a pluralist and open system. The foreign ministers of Germany, Turkey, and the EU discussed the need for a balanced approach to sanctions, with Germany providing additional aid for humanitarian relief.
The United States and European countries have imposed sanctions on Syria since the 2011 uprising against Assad, targeting his government officials and sectors of the economy. Relief organizations have faced challenges due to overcompliance by financial institutions, hindering their operations. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and European diplomats emphasized the importance of lifting sanctions to support the Syrian people in achieving development and reconstruction.
The United States recently eased some restrictions on Syria, including authorizing certain transactions with the Syrian government and dropping a bounty on a former rebel leader who helped oust Assad. With Assad no longer in power, Syria’s new authorities are hoping for international support to rebuild infrastructure and revive the economy. The international community is looking for inclusivity in the new Syrian government, including representation from all religious and ethnic communities, as well as a focus on combatting threats from groups like ISIS.
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