Damascus, Feb 19 - The Government of Canada announced the lifting of the economic embargo imposed on Syria since May 2011, reported today the Syrian press citing a statement from the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand.
According to sources, the decision relaxes restrictions related to the import and export of goods and services, investment activities, the provision of financial services, and transactions associated with the oil and telecommunications sectors.
The statement also confirmed the removal of 24 entities and one individual from the sanctions lists, with the declared purpose of facilitating economic activity and relations with state institutions considered key for the country's recovery.
However, Ottawa specified that restrictive measures will remain in place for individuals and entities closely linked to the ousted regime and included in the lists between 2011 and 2017.
Canada also introduced two new criteria for the inclusion of persons and entities in the sanctions regime, aimed at those who, according to the statement, commit human rights violations or threaten security and stability.
According to the official declaration, these changes seek to support efforts aimed at a comprehensive political transition in Syria.
The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that since 2016 Canada has allocated more than 4.7 billion dollars in humanitarian aid and development programs for Syria and the countries hosting Syrian refugees.
Currently, the Canadian list maintains 229 individuals and 32 entities subject to restrictive measures, including former officials and close associates of the ousted government of Bashar Al-Assad.
Canadian authorities assured that they will continue monitoring the situation in order, as they expressed, to contribute to the protection of the civilian population and the promotion of peace.
