The European Union agreed to lift all economic sanctions against Syria

The ambassador of a member of the European Union in Brussels approved the lifting of all economic sanctions against Syria to help the war-torn country recover after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

The ambassadors of the 27 member states of the European Union reached a preliminary agreement on this on Tuesday (May 20th), and the content of the agreement will be officially announced at the meeting of foreign ministers to be held in Brussels later.

AFP reported that the European Union made this decision after US President Trump announced last week that Washington would lift sanctions against Syria.

The new ruler of Syria has been calling on the international community to lift the severe punishment on Syria after Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on the opposition turned into a civil war.

Eu diplomats said that according to the agreement, sanctions that cut off the connection of Syrian banks with the global system and froze the assets of its central bank would be lifted.

But the ambassadors pointed out that after the fatal attack on the minority Alawite group, the EU intends to impose new individual sanctions on those responsible for inciting racial tensions. Other measures against the Assad regime and the ban on the sale of weapons or equipment that can be used to suppress civilians will continue to be implemented.

The European Union took the first step in February by suspending sanctions on some key economic sectors in Syria. The ambassadors pointed out that if the new leader of Syria violates the commitment to respecting the rights of minorities and moving towards democracy, these measures might be implemented again.

Syrian Foreign Minister: The lifting of sanctions reflects "international will"

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said on Tuesday that the agreement of EU countries to lift sanctions against Syria demonstrated the "international will" to support Syria.

Shibani and the Jordanian Foreign Minister said at a joint press conference held in Damascus: "The lifting of sanctions expresses the willingness of the regional and international communities to support Syria," adding that "the Syrian people are facing a very important historic opportunity to rebuild the country today."