Brussels, 30/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has decided on an exemption for the Syrian opposition with regard to the banking sector, several European sources told EUROPE on 30 May. This is a measure that will take effect on 1 June. It will allow member states to authorise European banks to open accounts or offices in Syria. After consulting the national coalition - and if this does not circumvent the other sanctions in place - bank operations could be authorised. The aim of this is to help the Syrian population.
The leader of the Syrian coalition, George Sabra, stated that “the coalition will not take part in any international conference or in any effort of this type as long as militants from Iran and Hezbollah are invading Syria”. “In the light of this savagery, all discussion on an international conference or a political settlement is just meaningless prattle” (our translation throughout). The EU hopes that the two parties will take part in the peace conference which is due to take place in June or July. (CG/transl.fl)