Turkey has urged the EU to lift sanctions on Syria ahead of the March 2025 conference. This call aims to facilitate a peaceful transition post-Assad and address the humanitarian crisis. The conference will include representatives from Syria’s interim government and focuses on garnering international support for recovery efforts.
On March 16, 2025, Turkey urged the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria as a critical factor for enabling a “peaceful transition” in light of the complex political landscape following the recent removal of former President Bashar al-Assad. This request coincides with the forthcoming 9th International Conference on Syria, set for March 17, 2025, intended to gather international support for Syria’s recovery initiatives.
For the first time, representatives from Syria’s interim government, established after Assad’s ousting, will join the conference to foster momentum in addressing humanitarian crises. Turkey’s foreign ministry emphasized the necessity of economic stability, stating, “Syria’s economic security is fundamental for the stability and security of the country,” and called for unconditional sanctions removal to boost economic opportunities and create jobs.
The European Union’s recent easing of some sanctions, announced on February 24, 2025, regarding Syria’s energy, transport, and banking sectors, is viewed as a supportive measure during this transitional phase. Turkey, hosting nearly three million Syrian refugees, advocates for their safe repatriation amid reconstruction endeavors.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz will represent Turkey at the conference, addressing the need for global support for Syria and emphasizing the economic upliftment necessary for returning refugees. He will argue that existing sanctions are detrimental to recovery efforts by hindering economic development.
The conference offers a crucial platform not only for financial pledges but also for reassessing relations with the new Syrian authorities. High Representative Kaja Kallas acknowledged the severe humanitarian crisis driven by recent violence while expressing optimism about the potential new agreements in the region. “This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria,” she noted, referencing the instability as interim forces start to solidify their authority.
Despite these challenges, Kallas highlighted the significant opportunity presented by the current conference. Following a March 10 agreement between the Syrian Interim authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, officials regard this as a positive development for cooperative endeavors. Kallas reiterated the EU’s commitment to support the Syrian populace through crises and towards eventual recovery.
The urgency of the EU’s involvement is paramount, given its role as the largest donor during the Syrian civil war, having contributed over €35 billion in humanitarian and developmental assistance. This conference is crucial not only for fundraising but also for sustaining international engagement in Syria’s recovery trajectory.
Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib stressed the importance of focusing on recovery efforts and transitional stability, asserting, “The EU stands with the Syrian people on their path to recovery, peace, and a secure future.” This collaborative effort aims to help the Syrian populace rebuild their lives and restore their homeland.
The pathway to recovery remains daunting, with 16.5 million individuals in need of humanitarian aid and 12.9 million requiring food assistance due to the past decade of conflict, leading to widespread poverty and poor living conditions. The Brussels conference will convene various senior officials and international organization representatives, all dedicated to facilitating Syria’s pivotal transition and holistic recovery.
In summary, Turkey’s call for the unconditional lifting of sanctions on Syria underscores the need for international support as the country navigates its political and humanitarian crises. The upcoming International Conference on Syria represents not only an opportunity to secure essential funding but also to reestablish relationships with the new authorities while promoting stability and recovery efforts. The urgency for action is evident, as millions continue to face dire humanitarian challenges.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
