France said it is too early for the European Union to discuss lifting sanctions against Syria after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, BTA reports.
The first priority is the definition of a common European position regarding the political transition in the country, reports "Reuters".
The French position
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine clarified that the sanctions regime against Syria remains strict and that current discussions will focus on a political framework for transition. “The issue of sanctions will be considered at a later stage,” emphasized Lemoine.
Since 2012, when it severed diplomatic relations with the Assad regime, France has supported the secular Syrian opposition and Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria. This week, French officials met with representatives of these groups, stressing the need for a “credible and inclusive” political transition, according to the UN framework.
Challenges before the EU
Most EU governments have welcomed the fall of the Assad regime, but face the question of whether they can work with rebel groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. (HTS), which the EU classifies as a terrorist organization. Western diplomats stress that they will monitor the behavior of these groups during the transition before making decisions on lifting sanctions, financial support for Syria or possibly revoking HTS's terrorist status.
Expectations in Brussels
EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels next week to discuss future policy towards Syria. Despite the tough sanctions regime, European leaders have so far remained cautious in taking significant steps towards normalizing relations with the Syrian government.