Reuters. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday (May 19) that she hoped ministers gathering in Brussels would reach an agreement on lifting economic sanctions on Syria.
Ministers are considering a political decision to lift economic sanctions while maintaining sanctions related to the Assad regime and introducing measures against human rights violators, officials said.
"It is clear that we want there to be jobs and livelihoods for the people (in Syria), so that it would be a more stable country," Kallas said.
Kallas comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump said y he would order the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
The EU has already eased sanctions related to energy, transport and reconstruction, as well as associated financial transactions, but some member states have pushed for further relief to help smooth Syria’s transition.
French President Emmanuel Macron said this month after hosting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that Paris would push for the EU to end its sanctions when they come up for renewal.
The bulk of sanctions imposed since 2013 are renewed annually on June 1.
