Saudi hosts meeting on Syria, calls for lifting sanctions

Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan called for lifting sanctions on Syria during the Arab Ministerial Meetings on Syria hosted in Riyadh yesterday, according to the Saudi Gazette. Continued sanctions would hinder the country’s development, bin Farhan argued, saying Syria should no longer be viewed as a threat.

EU could move on sanctions easing soon: EU foreign ministers will discuss potentially lifting sanctions on Syria later this month, European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas said, according to Reuters. The decision will be contingent on Syria’s interim government taking steps towards forming an inclusive government and safeguarding minority rights.

Also attending the meetings: The meetings brought together the foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, as well as representatives from the EU, UK, and US.