Italy Pledges 68 Million Euros in Aid for Syria
Italy has earmarked some 68 million euros ($73.20 million) to finance humanitarian projects and rebuild infrastructure in Syria, Rome's foreign minister told lawmakers on Thursday, saying it was crucial to support the transition in Damascus.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized power in Syria in December, toppling former president Bashar al-Assad.
"An initial package has been earmarked for humanitarian initiatives in the hospital and health sector, in infrastructure, and in strengthening food supply chains," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told a parliamentary hearing.
"New cooperation projects will start in the coming weeks. And we also intend to organize a business forum aimed at reconstruction," he added, according to Reuters.
Earlier this month, donors at a European Union-led conference pledged 5.8 billion euros to help Syria's new authorities with the challenges of the transition.
EU countries have also suspended a range of sanctions against Syria, including restrictions related to energy, banking, transport and reconstruction.
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