Riyadh Advocates for Lifting Sanctions on Syria as Regional Talks Conclude
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has called for the removal of sanctions on Syria following high-level discussions with Middle Eastern and European diplomats about the country’s future.
The kingdom, seeking to expand its regional influence, emphasized the importance of lifting international sanctions to support Syria’s development and reconstruction efforts, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated after the talks concluded in Riyadh.
Push for Sanctions Relief
The discussions included Arab officials and representatives from Turkey, France, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations. Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who heads the alliance that ousted Bashar al-Assad, is advocating for sanctions relief. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani represented the Syrian administration during the talks.
Western nations, led by the US and EU, imposed sanctions on Assad’s regime during the 2011 crackdown on protests. Some sanctions predate the unrest, with the US labeling Syria as a “state sponsor of terrorism” following Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights.
The US Treasury Department has indicated a willingness to relax restrictions on essential services like energy and sanitation. However, further steps hinge on observing progress under Syria’s new leadership.
EU diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that sanctions could be lifted if Syria forms an inclusive government that protects minorities. European foreign ministers are set to meet on January 27 to discuss potential relief measures.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underscored the need for a “smart approach” to ensure aid reaches Syrians. She reaffirmed that sanctions targeting individuals responsible for crimes during Syria’s civil war must remain, while her government pledged an additional €50 million for humanitarian aid.
Saudi Arabia’s Role
Saudi Arabia, which severed ties with Assad’s regime in 2012, hosted the Arab League meeting that facilitated Syria’s reintegration into the regional bloc in 2023. Hosting Sunday’s talks signals Riyadh’s intent to lead regional efforts for Syria’s recovery, analysts suggest.
However, Saudi Arabia is adopting a cautious stance compared to Turkey and Qatar, which quickly reopened embassies in Damascus after Assad’s fall. Experts believe Riyadh is evaluating Syria’s new leadership’s ability to manage extremist factions within their ranks.
Future Prospects
The conference concluded with participants exploring ways to aid Syria during its transitional phase. A statement released by Saudi state media emphasized providing comprehensive support to the Syrian people but stopped short of issuing a unified call for sanctions relief.
The talks also expressed concern about Israel’s actions in the Golan Heights, highlighting regional tensions as part of Syria’s recovery narrative.
Riyadh’s measured approach reflects its strategic interest in stabilizing the region while balancing international expectations on sanctions and humanitarian support.
