Written statement to the House of Commons on adapting the UK's
Syria sanctions regime following the fall of Assad's dictatorship
late last year.
"Today I am updating the House on the future of the UK's Syria
sanctions regime following the welcome fall of Assad's
dictatorship late last year.
Sanctions remain a powerful foreign and security policy tool, and
this Government is committed to maximising their impact, which
includes reviewing their use in light of changing circumstances.
Therefore, I am pleased to inform the House that the Government
will bring forward measures in the coming months adapting the
Syria sanctions regime, including amendments to the Syria
Regulations, which Members of Parliament will have the
opportunity to debate.
We are making these changes to support the Syrian people in
re-building their country and promote security and stability.
They will include the relaxation of restrictions that apply to
the energy, transport and finance sectors, and provisions to
further support humanitarian delivery.
The Government remains determined to hold Bashar al-Assad and his
associates to account for their actions against the people of
Syria. We will ensure that asset freezes and travel bans imposed
on members of the former regime remain in force.
In this way, the FCDO will continue to use sanctions in a manner
that is targeted, proportionate and robust to hold accountable
those responsible for atrocious crimes committed during Assad's
reign and to support what we hope will be Syria's transition to a
more secure, prosperous and stable future."
