Switzerland lifted the measures against the Syrian energy and transportation sectors, as announced by the Federal Council. Certain financial services and banking relationships are also permitted again. The suspension of sanctions is intended to support a peaceful and orderly political transition process in Syria.
The remaining provisions of the Ordinance on Measures against Syria, including further financial and goods sanctions, are not affected by this decision. It was also stated that the easing of sanctions would not release any blocked funds.
Switzerland adopted sanctions against Syria for the first time on May 18, 2011, the Federal Council wrote. The sanctions against Syria were imposed due to the violent repression of the civilian population by the Syrian armed and security forces and were directed against the government of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted from power on December 8 last year.
The Federal Council is following developments in Syria closely and reserves the right to make further changes to the sanctions regime. This also includes the possibility of reintroducing measures that have been lifted, it said.
According to activists, the death toll from fighting between troops of the Syrian transitional government and armed Assad supporters rose to 130 on Friday afternoon. This was reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. According to government forces, the clashes are taking place in the province of Latakia, a stronghold of the Alawite religious minority, to which Assad also belonged.
