EU temporarily eases Syria sanctions for humanitarian aid speed up
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The European Union (EU) said on Thursday it decided to temporarily ease sanctions on Syria to speed up the delivery of humanitarian aid after the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country on Feb. 6.
This came in a statement by the European Council – EU’s bloc – two weeks after the catastrophic earthquake that hit southern Turkey and northwestern Syria, claiming the lives of about 47.000 individuals.
“The EU has waived the need for humanitarian organizations to seek prior permission from EU member states national competent authorities to make transfers or provide goods and services intended for humanitarian purposes to listed persons and entities,” the statement read.
The decision “applies for a period of six months,” according to the statement.
On Feb. 10, the US issued a license that eased sanctions on Syria for six months to allow the flow of humanitarian assistance after the Feb. 6 catastrophic earthquake.
On Feb 13, Josep Borrell, the EUs’ High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that nothing is stopping the EU from providing aid to Syrians affected by the earthquake, and that they “will do everything we can in order to support the affected part of the Syrian citizens.”
The EU sanctions were first imposed on Syrian government in 2011, in response to the violent repression of the civilians who took to the streets and demanded to topple the government.
The sanctions include a ban on the import of oil, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Central Bank of Syria, and export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression, as well as on equipment and technology for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications.
The sanctions are being extended year after another in light of the Syrian government’s continued repression of the civilians in the country, according to the EU.