Friends of Terrorists: EU extends Syria sanctions, eases military aid to militants

The European Union has renewed extensive sanctions against the Syrian government in a move to pave the way for providing military equipment and training to the country’s opposition groups.

The 27-nation bloc said on Thursday that it amended sanctions on Syria and extended them until June 1 to ease the EU weapons embargo to help the armed groups fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

One of the amendments to the EU’s sanctions reportedly authorizes “the provision of technical assistance, brokering services and other services for the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces.”

Other amendments permit the supply of “non-lethal” military equipment and armored vehicles to Syria’s opposition coalition.

A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said supplying technical assistance to the opposition bloc in Syria would allow instructors from EU countries “to offer training in the use of lethal equipment while not providing lethal equipment.”

The bloc’s sanctions against Syria also target the firms that have ties with the Syrian government with an assets freeze and visa ban.

The new measures adopted by the EU further bans oil imports and imposes restrictions on Syria’s trade and financial agreements.

On Thursday, the so-called Friends of Syria group held talks with the Syrian opposition in the Italian capital, Rome, and pledged more material support to militants in the Arab country.

US Secretary of State John Kerry also announced Washington’s decision to give USD 60 million in new aid to militant groups operating in Syria on the same day.

Many people, including large numbers of security personnel, have been killed in the violence that broke out in Syria near two year ago.

Damascus says certain Western states, especially the United States, and their regional allies are fueling the unrest.