Turkey has called on the EU to lift sanctions on Syria, stressing its necessity for a peaceful transition. As the EU prepares for an aid conference that invites Syria’s interim authorities, Turkey emphasizes economic security to stabilize the country and encourage the return of refugees. Caution remains among international powers regarding the interim leadership’s future actions in Syria.
On Sunday, Turkey urged the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria, coinciding with an upcoming international aid conference in Brussels. This plea comes as Turkey aligns itself with Syria’s new leadership, which emerged following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that lifting sanctions is crucial for a peaceful transitional process in Syria.
The EU will host the ninth international conference in support of Syria, marking the first occasion where representatives of the new interim authorities will be in attendance. The conference aims to garner global support for Syria’s recovery and transition after over 13 years of conflict. On February 24, the European Union took initial steps to ease some sanctions on Syria’s key sectors, primarily to assist interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Despite these easing measures, the EU and other international actors remain cautious regarding the future actions of Sharaa’s ruling faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a significant role in the regime change. While there are optimistic views about the potential for stability under the new administration, ongoing violence against the Alawite community, which supports Assad, raises concerns about the prospects for peace and inclusiveness.
EU foreign ministers have indicated that the easing of sanctions could be reversed should Syria’s new leaders fail to uphold minority rights or make strides toward a democratic governance model. The Turkish Foreign Ministry remarked that “Syria’s economic security is essential for the country’s stability and security,” emphasizing the necessity to create economic opportunities and jobs. Moreover, Turkey advocated for the reconstruction of Syria to incentivize the return of its refugees.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz of Turkey is expected to participate in the Brussels conference to further discuss these pivotal issues and support the reconstruction efforts in Syria.
In conclusion, Turkey’s appeal for the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria highlights the importance attributed to economic stability and reconstruction in fostering peace and facilitating the return of refugees. The international conference in Brussels serves as a crucial platform for dialogues regarding Syria’s future, amidst cautious optimism and significant challenges posed by the recent regime changes and ongoing violence. Turkey’s position denotes its strategic interest in supporting Syria’s new leadership and the necessity of international cooperation for a successful transition and recovery.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
