Brussels: France announced on Monday that it would lift or suspend certain sanctions on Syria's energy, transportation, and financial sectors to support the country's economic stabilization and reconstruction efforts. "We have decided today to lift or suspend certain sanctions affecting the energy, transportation, or financial sectors that currently hinder the country's economic stabilization and the initiation of the reconstruction process," said French foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot at the doorstep of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot stated that the suspension of sanctions must be accompanied by a political transition involving all Syrians, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive governance. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring security in the region, stressing that decisive measures must be taken, particularly an unrelenting fight against any resurgence of Daesh terrorism. Additionally, Barrot called for the detection, control, and destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles held by the Assad regime.

To bolster these efforts, France will host the third edition of the Aqaba Conference on February 13. Barrot mentioned that the event will "bring together Syria's international partners to provide this support and ensure the implementation of political transition measures and security guarantees."