Some European Union sanctions against Syria are being lifted, France's foreign minister said on Monday, as part of a broader EU move to help stabilise Damascus after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December.

This suspension of sanctions must be accompanied by political transition involving all Syrians,' says foreign ministry - Anadolu Ajansı

European countries say they are eager to help reconstruct war-ravaged country and build bridges with its new leaders.

French investigating magistrates have issued an arrest warrant against ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad for suspected complicity in war crimes, notably the launch of a deliberate attack on civilians,

The European Union agreed on Monday to start easing sanctions on Syria in light of the ousting of President Bashar Assad in December.

European Union top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Monday that she hopes EU foreign ministers will be able to agree on gradually suspending the bloc's economic sanctions on Syria. Ministers are to decide on a "roadmap" for a step-by-step approach,

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she expected the bloc to agree Monday to begin easing sanctions on Syria after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. “It is a step for step approach,” Kallas said at the start of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels to discuss the move.