Europeans Welcome Tahrir al-Sham with Open Arms: “We Will Lift Your Sanctions!”

According to Saed News, a document reveals that six EU member states have called for a temporary suspension of sanctions on Syria in sectors such as transportation, energy, and banking.

According to ISNA, EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on January 27 in Brussels to discuss easing sanctions on Syria. A document seen by Reuters indicates that six EU countries have proposed a temporary suspension of sanctions in key sectors like transportation, energy, and banking.

Following the removal of Bashar al-Assad by opposition forces led by Tahrir al-Sham, European leaders have begun reevaluating their policies toward Damascus. Tahrir al-Sham is classified as a "terrorist group" by the United States, most other countries, and the United Nations.

The document, signed by Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark, states that the EU “must immediately begin adjusting its sanctions regime.”

However, the document also warns that if the EU’s expectations regarding human rights and minority protections are not met, additional sanctions may not be lifted, and an immediate reinstatement mechanism will be applied to any lifted sanctions.

Last week, the United States granted a six-month sanctions waiver on transactions with Syrian government entities to facilitate humanitarian aid.

EU Proposals for Sanctions Relief

The six EU members suggested that the EU should:

• Lift sanctions to facilitate civilian flights.

• Reassess restrictions on high-value goods.

• Remove the ban on oil and gas technology exports.

• Reopen financial channels between the EU and Syria.

However, they also insisted that sanctions on Assad’s government officials and supporters should remain in place.

The document states that lifting sanctions on Tahrir al-Sham should be discussed at the UN level and coordinated with close partners. It further emphasizes that "this decision depends on our joint assessment of Tahrir al-Sham as an entity, its leader Ahmed al-Shara, and developments on the ground in Syria."

Diplomatic Efforts in Riyadh

Additionally, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, met with Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, the Foreign Minister of Syria’s Interim Government, in Riyadh on Sunday. The meeting gathered top Western and West Asian diplomats to discuss Syria’s future.

Kallas stated:
“Now is the time for Syria’s new leadership to fulfill the hopes they have created through a peaceful and inclusive transition that protects all minorities. Next, we will discuss with EU foreign ministers how to reduce sanctions.”