France says Syria sanctions should no longer be obstacle to recovery, reconstruction

ISTANBUL

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on Thursday for the rapid lifting of economic and sectoral sanctions on Syria, arguing that such measures should no longer be an obstacle to the country’s recovery and reconstruction.

"We are working with my European counterparts to bring about a rapid lifting of the sectoral and economic sanctions adopted to isolate the Assad regime. These sanctions, whether UN, European or national, have contributed to the fall of the Syrian regime. They can no longer be an obstacle to the recovery and reconstruction of Syria," Barrot told the International Conference on Syria in Paris.

He emphasized the urgency of coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and rebuild the war-torn country.

"The challenges are immense. We need to act quickly in a coordinated way, making use of our complementarities and the diversity of our levers for action," he said.

Barrot also called for urgent steps to end violence and external interference in Syria.

"We are calling for a comprehensive ceasefire over the whole of Syrian territory, including the north and the northeast, and an end to foreign interference, including in the south," he stated.

"We want a free, sovereign, unified, and stable Syria," he added.

The conference, which brought together key representatives, including Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US, focused on Syria’s transition, the humanitarian crisis, and regional stability.

"We must first and foremost enable the rapid influx of humanitarian aid, which the Syrians still largely need, but also facilitate the financial and commercial flows needed to rebuild the country," he said.

"To achieve this, we need to ensure that the country is in an environment conducive to its pacification, reunification and regional reintegration. To this end, we are ready to support the Syrian transitional authorities to achieve this," he added.

Barrot further stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to Syria’s reconstruction, including addressing security concerns and ensuring justice for victims of the conflict.

"We are also ready to support you, depending on the needs you identify in terms of transitional justice and the fight against impunity. Syrians need to think about their wounds and to see restorative justice put in place," he said.

"We want Syria to stop being used to destabilize the region, concentrate on the success of the transition and the recovery of their country," he pointed out.

- Dire economic situation

After nearly 14 years of war, Syria faces a dire economic situation.

The UN estimated in 2017 that post-war reconstruction would require at least $250 billion, though some experts now believe the figure could exceed $400 billion.

Key infrastructure, including housing, electricity, water, and transportation, has been left in ruins. With a collapsed economy, few productive sectors, and government wages averaging just $20 per month, Syria has become increasingly reliant on remittances and humanitarian aid.

The Paris conference is focusing on securing new sources of financial and political support for Syria’s post-Assad transition.

European and Arab leaders are pushing for increased international investment to stabilize the country and prevent further humanitarian crises.

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is attending the conference, marking the first high-level diplomatic visit to Europe by a top official of post-Assad Syria.