Saudi Arabia presses top EU diplomats to lift sanctions on Syria after Assad’s fall
- Spain's Foreign Minister Josè Manuel Albares has reiterated support for lifting sanctions on Syria, linking it to compliance from new authorities on fundamental human rights.
- High Representative of the EU Kaja Kallas outlined conditions for gradual relief of sanctions contingent on significant democratic reforms.
- The lifting of sanctions is viewed as critical for enabling recovery and rebuilding in Syria following years of civil war.
Spain has expressed its willingness to back the lifting of EU sanctions against Syria, contingent upon the new authorities, formed after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, adhering to specific red lines regarding the rights of women, minorities, and political transformation. José Manuel Albares, the Spanish Foreign Minister, will meet with these new authorities to discuss support for a stable and inclusive Syria. Concurrently, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, has advocated a gradual relief of sanctions if tangible democratic advancements are observed. Updates on the situation indicate hope for a political process nurturing inclusivity, especially concerning various ethnic and religious communities. Saudi Arabia has also stepped up its calls for lifting sanctions to facilitate Syria’s rebuilding efforts following over a decade of civil war. Meanwhile, Germany has proposed a measured approach to sanctions, maintaining those against key individuals while promoting support for the Syrian population. The dynamics surrounding the sanctions reflect broader geopolitical interests and the evolving situation in Syria post-Assad, highlighting the complexity of international relations in addressing the aftermath of the civil conflict and the aspirations of the Syrian people for recovery.