The Financial Times: Germany leads talks inside the EU aiming ease sanctions on Syria
Germany is leading talks within the European Union to ease sanctions imposed on Syria during the rule of ousted President Bashar al Assad and to help the Syrian people.
The German Foreign Ministry issued statement, Tuesday, saying “Germany is seriously discussing ways to ease sanctions on the Syrian people in certain sectors”.
Easing sanctions requires a unanimous decision by the European Union, and the Financial Times quoted informed sources as saying that German officials have distributed two proposed documents among EU capitals outlining proposals on key sectors in which EU sanctions on Syria could be eased.
The statement added that the two documents specify ways to gradually ease restrictions on Damascus in exchange for progress on social issues, including protecting the rights of minorities and women, and committing to pledges to prevent the spread of weapons.
The Financial Times also quoted a source described as being familiar with the European Union’s discussions on this matter, saying that the Union, like Washington, may issue a decision to temporarily ease the sanctions to ensure the possibility of reversing them if necessary.
