Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign affairs chief, calls for continued lifting of sanctions on Syria to provide hope amid escalating violence. The bloc is focusing on accountability for recent sectarian killings and aims to enhance basic services and economic investment. The EU has shifted its engagement approach by inviting Syrian representatives to a donor conference, emphasizing the need for an inclusive political process to foster stability and recovery.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, emphasized the necessity of continuing to lift sanctions on Syria to foster hope among its citizens amid rising sectarian violence. Speaking to The National, Ms. Kallas acknowledged that while further easing of sanctions would entail challenging discussions, the bloc is actively progressing on this front. She stressed the importance of accountability among Syrian leadership for recent massacres and indicated that enhanced services, including banking, are essential for instilling hope and reducing chaos.
Recently, the EU partially lifted sanctions to stimulate economic investment in Syria, although these could be reversed if the new government fails to observe the rule of law or engage ethnic and religious minorities. After condemning the sectarian killings of at least 1,400 Alawites, the EU called for accountability measures from the interim government. Interim President Ahmad Al Shara established an independent investigative committee to address the violence.
A cautious sentiment has emerged among European diplomats, who are advocating for ongoing discussions about accountability for recent violent events. A senior diplomat noted the importance of stability, particularly as Syria lies close to EU borders. The violence erupted following targeted attacks on security forces, triggering retaliation predominantly directed at Alawite civilians, who had no affiliation with the previous regime.
For the first time, the EU invited a Syrian government representative to a donor conference, marking a shift in their previous stance of avoiding engagement with the Assad regime. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pledged €300 million to support humanitarian efforts for Syrians, stressing that a peaceful future depends on an inclusive political process.
The upcoming donor conference is not only significant for raising funds but also for launching discussions with international partners about socioeconomic recovery in Syria. The EU is prioritizing access to basic services, education, and employment amid challenges including a collapsing infrastructure and staggering unemployment rates. Cash-for-work programs are among potential solutions being considered, contingent upon achieving stability.
The European Union’s ongoing discussions regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria highlight the need for a balance between humanitarian support and accountability for violent actions. With critical developments, including an independent investigation into sectarian violence, the European bloc aims to facilitate hope and stability in the region. Enhancing access to basic services and financial investments remains paramount as the country seeks recovery from its tumultuous past.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
