Germany’s foreign minister says sanctions against Syrian officials responsible for war crimes must remain in place but called for a “smart approach” to provide relief to the Syrian population after last month’s overthrow of President Bashar Assad.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has advocated a relaxation of some EU sanctions against Syria following the ouster of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad. "We as an international community must not let the chance of a future for Syria pass us by,

The sanctions currently in place are primarily against the former government of Bashar al-Assad and his allies.

During a gathering Sunday, Saudi Arabia urged top European diplomats to lift sanctions against Syria to boost rebuilding the country and its economy after last month’s overthrow

Top diplomats from the Middle East and Europe arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Sunday to discuss Syria, as world powers push for stability after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.