Japan to partially lift sanctions on Syria
In Syria, an interim government is working to rebuild the country after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December last year. The authoritarian rule of the Assad family spanned more than half a century over two generations.
The Japanese Cabinet agreed on the move at its meeting on Friday. Four banks will be removed from the list of targets whose assets are frozen.
The Syrian interim government has repeatedly asked other countries to lift sanctions to help rebuild the war-torn nation.
The European Union has already decided to ease its sanctions in stages. The US government under President Donald Trump has also announced sanctions relief.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa told reporters that the decision came after the government studied the matter comprehensively. He said it is based on the view that Japan should support positive efforts in Syria and help improve the lives of its people, who have been worn down by years of crisis, while remaining in step with the international community.
He said Japan will continue coordinating with the Group of Seven countries and others in the international community to pursue effective measures for achieving peace and stability in Syria.
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