European Union member states have reached a preliminary agreement to ease an embargo on Syrian oil exports in what would be the first easing of sanctions since the beginning of President Bashar al-Assad’s crackdown on popular dissent two years ago.

The International Herald Tribune says diplomatic sources devised the agreement to give opposition-held areas greater autonomy and flexibility to build an economic base through petroleum resources.

Pending a review of senior Union officials, European foreign ministers will consider endorsing the draft agreement on Monday. Further legislative steps could be required for the embargo to be eased.

Syrian opposition representatives, meanwhile, have stepped up calls for the Union to end a weapons embargo slated to expire at the end of May, reports the Irish Times.

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

Easing the embargo is “the only way” to stop the bloodshed, argued Walid Saffour, UK ambassador of the Syrian National Coalition of Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, during a visit to Dublin on Wednesday.

Britain and France are in favour of giving military assistance to the opposition, but other member states are against contributing to the further militarisation of the conflict.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic