Turkiye Urges EU to Lift Sanctions on Syria Ahead of International Conference
Call for unconditional sanctions relief comes as Syria’s new authorities prepare to attend an aid conference in Brussels.
Istanbul - Turkiye has called on the European Union (EU) to unconditionally lift sanctions on the Syrian Arab Republic, coinciding with an upcoming international aid conference in Brussels.
This event marks a significant moment as representatives of Syria’s new interim government, which has emerged following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, are invited to participate.
The Turkish foreign ministry stated that lifting the sanctions is essential for facilitating a "peaceful transition" in Syria.
The upcoming conference is the ninth iteration hosted by the EU, aimed at garnering international support for Syria's recovery and transition following over 13 years of civil war.
Previously, on February 24, the EU announced a partial easing of sanctions focused on Syria's energy, transportation, and banking sectors.
This decision was made to alleviate economic challenges faced by Syria's interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
Despite this move, there remains apprehension among European and global powers regarding the direction influenced by Al-Sharaa’s Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), which played a crucial role in the military offensive that led to the toppling of Assad.
The EU's foreign ministers have cautioned that the eased sanctions could be reinstated should Syria’s new government fail to uphold commitments to minority rights and make strides toward democratic governance.
The Turkish foreign ministry emphasized that "Syria's economic security is essential for the country’s stability and security," highlighting the necessity for economic development and job creation in the region.
Furthermore, Turkiye, which currently hosts close to three million Syrian refugees, has advocated for the reconstruction of Syria to facilitate the return of displaced individuals.
Nuh Yilmaz, the Turkish deputy foreign minister, is set to represent Turkiye at the forthcoming Brussels conference.
This event marks a significant moment as representatives of Syria’s new interim government, which has emerged following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, are invited to participate.
The Turkish foreign ministry stated that lifting the sanctions is essential for facilitating a "peaceful transition" in Syria.
The upcoming conference is the ninth iteration hosted by the EU, aimed at garnering international support for Syria's recovery and transition following over 13 years of civil war.
Previously, on February 24, the EU announced a partial easing of sanctions focused on Syria's energy, transportation, and banking sectors.
This decision was made to alleviate economic challenges faced by Syria's interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
Despite this move, there remains apprehension among European and global powers regarding the direction influenced by Al-Sharaa’s Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), which played a crucial role in the military offensive that led to the toppling of Assad.
The EU's foreign ministers have cautioned that the eased sanctions could be reinstated should Syria’s new government fail to uphold commitments to minority rights and make strides toward democratic governance.
The Turkish foreign ministry emphasized that "Syria's economic security is essential for the country’s stability and security," highlighting the necessity for economic development and job creation in the region.
Furthermore, Turkiye, which currently hosts close to three million Syrian refugees, has advocated for the reconstruction of Syria to facilitate the return of displaced individuals.
Nuh Yilmaz, the Turkish deputy foreign minister, is set to represent Turkiye at the forthcoming Brussels conference.
