EU set to ease Syria oil embargo to bolster rebels
German FM says move aimed to provide ‘stronger economic support’ to opposition
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LUXEMBOURG (AP) — The European Union is set to lift its oil embargo on Syria to provide more support to the forces fighting to oust President Bashar Assad’s regime.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Monday, ahead of a meeting of the bloc’s 27 chief diplomats in Luxembourg, that the move aims at “granting stronger economic support for the opposition, for example through oil exports.”
The decision will allow for crude exports from rebel-held territory and the import of production technology.
It is the first easing of the EU’s sanctions in two years as governments seek ways to help ease shortages of vital supplies in areas held by the rebels.
Some EU members are also pushing to lift the bloc’s arms embargo against Syria. A decision is expected next month.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
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