By lifting some sanctions, EU sends cautious message to Damascus

“This could give a boost to the Syrian economy and help the country get back on its feet,” said Kaja Kallas.The chief of European diplomacy was speaking after consultation in Brussels with the 27 foreign ministers of the European Union (EU), who agreed Monday to ease sanctions against Damascus. After more than a decade of heavy economic restrictions imposed on Bashar al-Assad's regime, which contributed to placing the country in a critical economic situation, the new Syrian leaders of the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have constantly emphasized the importance of easing sanctions for the civilian population.“We welcome the positive decision taken by the European Union to suspend sanctions against Syria for one year and look forward to their complete lifting,” said the new Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani on his X...