EU to Lift Syria Sanctions Only After “Peaceful Transition
EU Pledges Aid to Turkey for Syrian Refugees,Cautiously Eyes lifting Sanctions on Syria
Ankara,Turkey – The European Union is poised to send an additional €1 billion to Turkey this year to support the millions of Syrian refugees residing within its borders,EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday. This funding, part of ongoing EU efforts, will be allocated towards border management and facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees to Syria.
Von der leyen,speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara,emphasized that the EU’s approach to Syria remains cautious. while the bloc is considering lifting sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which was overthrown ten days ago, this move hinges on a demonstrably peaceful transition in the country.
“We are proceeding step by step,” von der Leyen stated. “We foresee lifting sanctions, but only if there is a genuine peaceful transition in the country.”
Turkey’s Crucial Role in Refugee Crisis
Von der leyen lauded Turkey’s commitment to hosting refugees, noting that the EU has already provided nearly €10 billion in support over the years. She stressed the importance of Turkey’s continued role in stabilizing the region, notably in light of the “real” risk of a resurgence of ISIS in eastern Syria.
Erdogan, for his part, reiterated Turkey’s stance against both ISIS and the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and its affiliates, including the YPG, a Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara considers a terrorist institution due to its ties to the PKK.
“there is no place for ISIS or the PKK in Syria,” Erdogan asserted,highlighting Turkey’s role as the only NATO member to have successfully combated both groups on the ground.
Von der Leyen refrained from directly addressing the YPG, focusing rather on the need for a Syrian transition that is peaceful, maintains functioning state institutions, reflects the country’s diversity, and protects minorities. She pledged continued EU support, including the deployment of diplomats to Damascus and the establishment of an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid, with the first shipments expected to arrive in Syria this week.
EU Pledges More Aid to Turkey for Syrian Refugees,Cautiously Eyes Lifting Sanctions on Syria
Ankara,Turkey – The European Union has pledged an additional €1 billion to Turkey this year to support the millions of Syrian refugees residing within its borders. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the funding during a visit to Ankara,stating it will be allocated towards border management and facilitating the voluntary,safe,and dignified return of refugees to Syria.
While the EU is considering lifting sanctions imposed on Syria during Bashar al-Assad’s regime, von der Leyen emphasized a cautious approach, stating that this move hinges on a demonstrably peaceful transition in the country.
“We are proceeding step by step,” von der leyen stated. “We foresee lifting sanctions, but only if ther is a genuine peaceful transition in the country.”
Von der Leyen lauded Turkey’s commitment to hosting refugees, noting that the EU has already provided nearly €10 billion in support over the years. She stressed the importance of Turkey’s continued role in stabilizing the region, especially in light of the risk of a resurgence of ISIS in eastern Syria.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s stance against both ISIS and the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and its affiliates, including the YPG, a Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara considers a terrorist institution due to its ties to the PKK.
“There is no place for ISIS or the PKK in Syria,” Erdogan asserted, highlighting Turkey’s role as the only NATO member to have successfully combated both groups on the ground.
Von der Leyen pledged continued EU support for Syria, including the deployment of diplomats to Damascus and the establishment of an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid, with the first shipments expected to arrive in Syria this week. While refraining from directly addressing the YPG, she emphasized the need for a Syrian transition that is peaceful, maintains functioning state institutions, reflects the country’s diversity, and protects minorities.