24/04/2013 - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC)

EU eases Syria sanctions

On 22 April 2013, European Union foreign ministers eased the oil embargo against Syria. The move is aimed at helping provide funds for civilians and the political opposition. They also lifted sanctions against Myanmar/Burma to encourage the country's reform process and democratic transition.

<p>© Fotolia, Floki Fotos</p>

© Fotolia, Floki Fotos

Syria

The Council's decision allows transactions in oil and petroleum products and related financing, as long as they are made in consultation with the opposition and do not bypass EU sanctions.

The oil embargo was imposed in September 2011 to help end the government security crackdown.

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: "It's very, very important that we look at every possible avenue to support people in the country, the refugees outside, and more than anything as you know, to still continue to press for the political solution that's going to end the fighting and move the Syrian people forward".

Since the conflict started, more than 70 000 people have been killed and some 1.3 million others forced from their homes into neighbouring countries like Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt.

 

Myanmar/Burma

The Council decided to permanently lift sanctions against Myanmar/Burma in support of the continued reform and democratisation process in this South-East Asian country.

To encourage the regime as it opened up to the world, the EU froze its sanctions for a year, but that suspension expires on 30 April. While the ministers have now lifted the suspended sanctions, an embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for repression against civilians will remain in place. 

 

See also:

 

Help us improve

Find what you wanted?

Yes    No

 

What were you looking for?

Any suggestions?