European Union eased sanctions against Syria’s energy, transport and banking sectors on monday. The step is aimed at helping the country rebuild after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
The move, approved at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, suspended sanctions on the energy and transport sectors. It was also agreed to allow money transfers to five banks and to make funds available for the Syrian Central Bank.
‘The EU aims to facilitate interaction with Syria, its people and businesses in key areas such as energy and transport, financial and banking transactions related to these sectors and the provision of the necessary funds for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction,’ it said.
These measures could be reintroduced if Syria’s new leaders fail to honour their promises to respect minority rights and transition to democracy, the officials said.
