Damascus [Syria], May 21: European Union foreign ministers decided on Tuesday to lift economic sanctions on Syria, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas announced.
"We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," Kallas wrote on X.
"The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the last 14 years - and will keep doing so."The EU aims to play a leading role in Syria's recovery and future reconstruction.
Sanctions against individuals and organizations with links to the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad and those responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian people and human rights violations are however to remain in place.
In addition, export restrictions on weapons as well as goods and technologies used for internal repression will remain in force for the time being. EU member states had already agreed to a gradual easing of sanctions in February in order to support a rapid economic recovery in Syria, as well as its reconstruction and stabilization.
Measures in the energy, transport and banking sectors were initially suspended until June.
The European Union's policy shift comes after an announcement by the United States last week that it is lifting sanctions on Damascus.
Syria's Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani thanked the EU on Tuesday, saying the decision would bolster Syria's security and stability.
Source: Qatar Tribune