Britain raises sanctions on Syrian security agencies

On Thursday, Britain raised the sanctions imposed on many Syrian government agencies during the rule of the defenseless president, Bashar al -Assad, in the latest sign of Western participation with the new leaders in the country.

in Note his list update Among those approved, the Office of the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development named dozens of organizations – many associated defense or security, including the internal ministries of Syria and Defense and the Military Intelligence Agency – which are no longer subject to the freezing of assets.

in SeparateHe added that Britain will end “restrictions on some sectors, including financial services and energy production in Syria,” in a move designed to encourage investment in the infrastructure of Syrian energy and help in the economic recovery in the country.

“The Syrian people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their country and their economy, and Syria is stable in the interest of the UK,” said Hamish Falonir, a minister of the British Foreign Ministry responsible for the Middle East.

The move comes after the formation of last month by the President of Syria, Ahmed Al -Shara, for a temporary government aimed at leading the broken country during a decisive transitional period after the overthrow of the Assad family’s dictatorship.

Mr. Al -Sharra, who led the rebel coalition that toppled Mr. Assad in December, is trying to persuade Western capitals that he and his citizens have threw their jihadist origins.

Europe and the United States had already eased some sanctions on the country, in part in response to that batch and calls from Some charities To relax restrictions to help reconstruction efforts. However, in a A recent interview with the New York TimesMr. Shara said that the measures taken against the previous Syrian government are still scattered on its ability to start the economy.

“The sanctions were implemented in response to the crimes committed by the previous regime against the people,” he said.

Last month, US officials Click on more demands To be fulfilled, including destruction Chemical weapons stores And cooperation in combating terrorism efforts, before lifting more sanctions.

Mr. Shara The Times told that some American circumstances “need to discuss or modify”, but did not give more details.

In February, European Union Foreign Ministers The penalties have ended on five financial entities Some of the measures taken against the oil, gas, electricity and Syrian transport industries.

In March, Britain raised its freezing on assets 24 Syrian entitiesIncluding the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines and Energy Companies.

Then, earlier this month Britain Be welcomed From the new Syrian government, which it describes as an “important teacher” in the country’s transfer.

Among the groups removed from the British sanctions list on Thursday are the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defense, the General Intelligence Directorate, the Air Force Agency, the Political Security Directorate, the Syrian National Security Office, the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Army supply office. Several media organizations, including a state -run agency and outlets that support the previous government, were in a Thursday’s announcement.