EU maintains sanctions on Syria amid uncertainty over future policies
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, confirmed on Sunday that the bloc will not lift sanctions on Syria at this time.
Kallas’ remarks come as EU foreign ministers prepare to meet in Brussels to discuss various issues, including Syria, though the agenda will not address increasing financial aid to Damascus.
In an interview with Reuters, Kallas stated, “One of the questions is whether we are able to, in the future, look at the adaptation of the sanctions regime. But this clearly is not the question of today, but rather in the future where we have seen that the steps go in the right direction.”
Most EU governments have welcomed the weakening of Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power but remain cautious about their approach to Syria’s fragmented opposition, including the influential Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Western diplomats have emphasized the need to monitor the conduct of various opposition groups during the transition process before making substantial decisions such as lifting sanctions, delisting HTS as a terrorist organization, or providing financial support to Syria.
“We need to discuss what more can we do. But as I say, it can’t come as a blank cheque,” Kallas added. “Syria faces a hopeful but uncertain future.”