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Germany's Baerbock Advocates 'Smart' Sanctions on Assad Allies, Pledges 50 Million Euros for Syria at Riyadh Conference

Jan 12, 2025, 01:00 PM

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has emphasized that sanctions against allies of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who committed serious crimes during the Syrian civil war, must remain in place. Speaking at an international conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Baerbock advocated for a 'smart approach' to sanctions, aiming to provide rapid relief for the Syrian population following Assad's ouster last month. Germany announced an additional 50 million euros in aid for food, emergency shelters, and medical care to support Syrians displaced by the war. The conference, attended by top European and Middle Eastern diplomats, focuses on Syria's future, including political transition, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance. Baerbock's proposal reflects a balance between maintaining accountability for past crimes and addressing the urgent needs of the Syrian people.