The EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs have agreed on a route map for suspending sanctions against Syria. The focus is on sanctions against economic sectors that are relevant to the reconstruction of the country. Interim Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) emphasized on Monday to journalists on the sidelines of the Brussels meeting that there was “no blank check”. It had already been decided to extend the Russian sanctions.
“We have agreed on a route map for relaxing the sanctions against Syria,” said Kaja Kallas, head of the EU foreign policy, at the last press conference. This should “stimulate the Syrian economy and help the country on their feet again.” However, Kallas warned that the suspension of sanctions could be withdrawn if the situation in Syria deteriorates. The many sanctions are now divided into groups, so that a step -by -step step -by -step plan is created.
The EU wants to start with the sanctions that have hindered the early reconstruction of the country. She mentioned the energy sector as an example. “Of course there will be no lighting for everything that has to do with weapons and arms trade,” emphasizes Kallas. The EU is also willing to relax further sanctions if the new regime in Syria is taking steps in the right direction. Personal sanctions against the family and those who are close to former ruler Bashar al-Assad may not be suspended.
Schallenberg: Let’s give them a chance
“There is no blank check, and something like that will no longer happen in the future,” said Schallenberg. “Let’s give them a chance. It is about economic development. If we want people to stay there and that peace will get the upper hand, economic development is needed. ” He is in favor of a suspension, but of course also of ‘turning back’ the sanctions when developments are heading in the wrong direction. He warned of making the same “mistake” as in Afghanistan, with unfulfilled conditions.
Schallenberg referred to the joint letter with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani to Kallas, in which the two countries called for today’s meeting to compete with an extensive suspension of the EU sectoral sector against Syria by 31 December this year announce. During the suspension period, the EU must closely investigate whether the Syrian rulers fulfill their obligations and whether the conditions for a peaceful and inclusive transition have been met, the EU said.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
