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Slovenia supported the gradual lifting of sanctions against Syria

by AI | 28.Jan 2025 | Europe in brief AI

EU foreign ministers in Brussels supported the gradual lifting of sanctions against Syria, and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced her imminent visit to Syria and Lebanon, aimed at supporting changes in both countries.

After the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, there is a need for reconstruction in Syria, to which the gradual lifting of EU sanctions should contribute. Photo: Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP/dpa

Brussels – The foreign ministers of EU member states on Monday supported the gradual lifting of sanctions against Syria, after rebel groups in December overthrew President Bashar al-Assad. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas warned at the same time that the EU could reintroduce sanctions if the situation in Syria worsens. The Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon had already emphasized before the meeting that Slovenia will also support the gradual lifting of sanctions.

Fajon announced that she would soon visit Syria and Lebanon. The visits are intended to support the changes in both countries that have occurred there in recent months. Regarding Lebanon, which in the middle of this month, after two years of political deadlock, elected a new president and a new prime minister, the minister stated that international presence is “extremely important” at this time. Regarding Syria, Fajon highlighted the importance of talks and open dialogue: “This is a historic opportunity.”

Fajon also responded to the statements of the American President Donald Trump about the “cleansing” of Gaza. Slovenia, according to her, does not agree to the forced displacement of the Palestinian people. She said that the EU should also respond sharply to such proposals. “I think we, as the European Union, need to take a very strong stance against this,” she emphasized.

“We absolutely do not agree to the forced expulsion, displacement of the Palestinian people,” said Fajon. She recalled that last year Slovenia recognized a sovereign and independent Palestine and added that Palestinians have the right to their land. The possibility of forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, as proposed by Trump, was described by the minister as absolutely unacceptable. She added that this could involve “gross violations of international humanitarian law.” (January 27)