The Council of Europe has extended the freeze on assets and travel ban on individuals associated with the former Assad government.
The ship carrying 28,500 tonnes of wheat is docked at Syria’s port of Tartas, marking one of the first major trade delivery since the European Union and the US lifted sanctions as the European Union and the US recovered from nearly 14 years of civil war and economic destruction.
The move formalized the bloc’s decision to end restrictive measures against Syria after the EU council passed the law on Wednesday.
The political decision was agreed by the EU foreign minister last week, following a similar announcement by the US earlier this month.
Reported from Damascus, Mahmoudabdel of Al Jazeera said, “There is no details about the origins of the shipping, but we know that this is of important importance to the Syrian people and the government.
“This shows that the country could be reintegrated into the international community, and could reinvigorate trade and commerce, and that the country could reconnect with the international financial system in the aftermath of the release of international sanctions.”
The lifting of sanctions is expected to accelerate Syria’s infrastructure and economy reconstruction. Syrian banks, including the Syrian Central Bank, are currently renewing access to European financial markets.
Kaja Kallas, head of foreign policy in the EU, welcomed the move and reaffirmed Europe’s “commitment” to help Syrians rebuild “new, inclusive, peaceful Syria.”
“This decision is simply right at this historic time, in order to truly support the EU’s recovery in Syria and the political transition that fulfills the aspirations of all Syrians,” Karas said.
Sanctions previously imposed by the EU and the US targeted the government of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown by lightning rebels led by now Intum President Ahmed Al-Sharra in December.
The measure effectively blocked Syria from the global trade and banking system, severely restricting access to goods and investments.
Alshara had lobbyed to eliminate sanctions as part of a broader effort to stabilize and rebuild the nation.
Despite ease of trade restrictions, the Council of Europe expanded the freeze on assets and travel bans for individuals and groups related to the former Al-Assad government until June 1, 2026.
It also imposed new measures under the EU global human rights sanctions regime, targeting two individuals and three entities what is called “severe human rights violations.”
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