Sun Jan 12 13:28:04 UTC 2025: ## EU to Consider Lifting Syria Sanctions After Assad’s Ouster
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 12, 2025** – Following the recent ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by insurgent forces, the European Union is poised to consider lifting sanctions on the country. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that a meeting of EU foreign ministers will be held on January 27th in Brussels to discuss easing sanctions.
This decision comes after a month-long offensive led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which has subsequently established a caretaker government in Damascus. Any relaxation of sanctions will be contingent upon the new government’s commitment to inclusivity, encompassing various groups and women, and avoiding radicalization, Ms. Kallas stated.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together Middle Eastern and Western diplomats, including representatives from the U.S., Britain, Germany, and the U.N. The meeting, the first of its kind since Assad’s removal, focused on providing support for the interim Syrian authorities while addressing accountability for war crimes committed by the Assad regime.
Germany proposed targeted relief for the Syrian population, maintaining sanctions on Assad allies implicated in war crimes. They pledged an additional €50 million for humanitarian aid. The United States also announced a six-month sanctions exemption for certain transactions to facilitate humanitarian assistance and energy supplies.
The UK reiterated its commitment to supporting the interim government while ensuring accountability for past atrocities. Discussions centered on mechanisms to hold the Assad regime accountable for war crimes. The situation remains complex, given that HTS, now in power, faces sanctions due to its past affiliation with al-Qaeda. The EU’s decision on sanctions will be a crucial step in determining the future of international involvement in Syria’s reconstruction and stabilization.
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