British Plan to Ease Sanctions on Syria After Assad’s Fall

The United Kingdom is seeking to ease sanctions imposed on Syria after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad, according to a new plan announced by the government on Thursday, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Syria’s new administration, facing an economy in collapse, is trying to persuade Western capitals to lift sanctions that were imposed during the civil war, which began with protests in 2011 and was met with a brutal crackdown by Assad’s regime.

The British Foreign Secretary stated that the plan “will include easing restrictions on the energy, transport, and financial sectors,” adding that lawmakers must first debate the proposal.

In a written statement to the British Parliament, the Foreign Secretary said the government “will introduce measures in the coming months,” including amendments to the 2019 law that served as the basis for the sanctions.

“We are making these changes to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and to promote security and stability,” he added.

“The government remains committed to holding Bashar al-Assad and his associates accountable for their actions against the Syrian people. We will ensure that asset freezes and travel bans remain in place for former regime figures.”