EU to consider using frozen assets of Assad regime for Syrian reconstruction

ISTANBUL

The European Parliament urged the EU to find ways to use the frozen assets of the Assad regime for Syrian reconstruction.

“The European Parliament invites the EU to explore pathways to use frozen assets of the Assad regime for a trust fund for Syrian reconstruction, rehabilitation and compensation of victims,” it wrote in a resolution Tuesday on "the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria.”

The parliament also welcomed €235 million in aid from the EU Commission for Syrians while calling for continued humanitarian and development support, including assistance for neighboring countries hosting refugees.

“The European Parliament is extremely concerned by the suspension of all USAID funding related to Syria or Syrian refugees and by the foreseen non-participation of the US in the next Brussels conference,” it said about the American aid and development assistance program that was halted by US President Donald Trump.

It urged the bloc to boost financial support for Syrian civil society organizations, emphasizing “civic dialogue” among ethnic, cultural and religious groups to promote “pluralism, peaceful coexistence, and trust” within the society.

The parliament also urged Syrian authorities to end the Russian military presence in Syria.

“The European Parliament calls on Syria to break free from its notorious long-standing alliances with Tehran and Moscow, which have brought suffering to the Syrian people and destabilisation to the Middle East and beyond,” it added.