EU official announcements, major news outlets reporting on sanctions policy

Dutch Foreign Minister: EU Support for Damascus Hinges on Closure of Russian Bases

Dec 16, 2024, 12:54 PM

The Dutch Foreign Minister has stated that the closure of Russian military bases in Syria will be among the conditions set by the European Union for supporting the new government in Damascus. This condition is part of a broader European stance that also includes the demand for the departure of Russian military forces from Syria as a precondition for lifting EU sanctions against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel group that has taken power in Damascus. The EU's position is seen as a response to the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly in light of recent developments involving Israel, Iran, and other regional players.