World

EU Relaxes Syrian Oil Sanctions

To permit purchases from Syrian rebels

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European Union governments have agreed to ease sanctions against Syria in order to allow crude oil purchases from opposition forces in hopes of providing a financial lifeline to rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad.

Under Monday's decision, European importers will be allowed to buy oil from facilities in rebel-held Syrian territories and also to export oil production technology and investment cash to the rebel-held areas, if authorized by Syria's opposition National Coalition.