EU set to ease Syria oil embargo
Move could open important revenue stream for opposition
Brussels: Two diplomats say the European Union (EU) is set to ease its oil embargo on Syria to bolster the forces fighting to oust President Bashar Al Assad’s regime.
The EU diplomats said on Friday the decision would allow the import of oil production technology and the sale of crude from territory held by the Syrian opposition, in close coordination with the movement’s leaders. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal decision by the bloc’s 27 foreign ministers at their meeting on Monday in Luxembourg.
Syria was never a major oil producer, but exports could open an important revenue stream for Syria’s opposition. However, the diplomats acknowledged that it was still unclear when and how much crude could be exported, due to the volatile security situation.
