Bloomberg: Saudi Arabia and UAE Lobby to Revive Europe’s Relations with Syria

Bloomberg: Saudi Arabia and UAE are lobbying for the revival of Europe’s relations with Syria

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are actively lobbying for the revival of diplomatic relations between Syria and European countries and for the reduction of sanctions against the Damascus government.

Bloomberg news agency reported on Thursday, June 15, that Saudi and Emirati officials have been negotiating with their European counterparts at various levels for several months to convince their governments that lifting sanctions against Bashar al-Assad’s regime is an inseparable part of any solution for Syria.

The report indicates that Saudi and Emirati officials have told Europeans that taking political steps without lifting sanctions against the Damascus government will not be effective.

Bloomberg adds that Saudi and Emirati representatives involved in the negotiations have reminded European governments that lifting sanctions against Syria and improving its economic situation will encourage millions of Syrian refugees to return and reduce pressure on Lebanon and Jordan.