Turkey Urges EU to Unconditionally Lift Sanctions on Syria

Turkey has urged the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria to support its new authorities in achieving a peaceful transition. This call comes ahead of an international aid conference in Brussels, marking the first participation of Syria’s interim government. While the EU has eased some sanctions, concerns over political stability and minority rights persist.

Turkey has officially called upon the European Union (EU) to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria in anticipation of an international aid conference in Brussels. This request stems from Turkey’s alliance with the new authorities in Syria, which emerged after the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. The Turkish foreign ministry emphasized that lifting sanctions is essential for a “peaceful transition” within Syria.

The EU is set to host the ninth international conference supporting Syria, where for the first time, representatives from Syria’s interim government will be present. The primary goal of this conference is to garner international support for the transition and recovery efforts in Syria, which has endured over thirteen years of civil conflict.

On a positive note, the EU has already announced some easing of sanctions on sectors like energy, transport, and banking to assist Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. However, international leaders remain cautious due to uncertainties surrounding the future actions of al-Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a significant role in the transition of power.

Despite the increased hopes for stability under new leadership, concerns persist regarding recent violence against the Alawite minority. EU foreign ministers have cautioned that sanctions could be reinstated if Syria’s new authorities fail to uphold commitments towards minority rights and democratic processes.

The Turkish foreign ministry articulated that “Syria’s economic security is essential for the country’s stability and security,” advocating for the unfettered lifting of sanctions to stimulate job creation and economic opportunities. Furthermore, it underscored the need for reconstruction efforts to facilitate the return of nearly three million Syrian refugees currently in Turkey. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is set to participate in the upcoming Brussels conference.

In conclusion, Turkey’s urgent request to the European Union for the lifting of sanctions on Syria highlights the complexities surrounding the country’s ongoing recovery and transition. The call reflects an underlying belief that economic stability and reconstruction are critical to fostering peace and facilitating the safe return of refugees. While there are cautious signs of progress, the international community’s ongoing vigilance regarding human rights and governance remains paramount to ensure a successful transition for Syria.

Original Source: www.newarab.com