Turkey has called for the EU to lift sanctions on Syria ahead of an international aid conference. This decision is viewed as crucial for the country’s peaceful transition following the recent change in governance. Doubts persist regarding the new leadership’s approach to governance and minority rights, even as some sanctions have been eased.
Turkey has urged the European Union (EU) to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria. This request comes ahead of an international aid conference set to take place in Brussels, where the newly established Syrian authorities have been invited. Turkey’s foreign ministry emphasizes that lifting these sanctions is crucial for fostering a “peaceful transition” in Syria following the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad in December.
The EU is preparing to host its ninth international conference in support of Syria, marking the first attendance of representatives from the new interim Syrian government. The conference aims to garner international backing for Syria’s recovery and transition after over 13 years of civil conflict, highlighting the need for stable governance.
On February 24, the EU announced a partial easing of sanctions in the energy, transport, and banking sectors to assist Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. However, there remains a level of skepticism regarding the future of Syria under the leadership of Sharaa and his Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a significant role in the uprising against Assad.
Concerns continue to linger due to recent violence directed at the Alawite minority, loyal to Assad, which has led some international observers to question the direction of Syria’s governance. EU foreign ministers have communicated that sanctions could be reinstated if the new leadership fails to uphold commitments to minority rights and democratic reforms.
In its statement, Turkey’s foreign ministry noted that “Syria’s economic security is essential for the country’s stability and security,” asserting the necessity to generate “economic opportunities and jobs.” The ministry reaffirmed its stance that the sanctions should be lifted without conditions and for an unspecified period. Furthermore, Turkey called for the reconstruction of Syria to facilitate the return of nearly three million Syrian refugees currently within its borders. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is expected to participate in the upcoming Brussels conference.
Turkey is advocating for the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria unconditionally as part of a broader strategy to ensure a peaceful transition following the recent changes in government. The ongoing international support conference in Brussels aims to support Syria’s recovery after extended conflict. While some sanctions have been eased, doubts remain about the current leadership’s commitment to democracy and minority rights, underscoring the complex path ahead for Syria’s reconstruction and stability.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
