The Syrian government has been under strict sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years.

The EU will not lift sanctions on Syria before its new rulers ensure minorities are not persecuted and women's rights are protected within a unified government that disavows religious extremism, the EU's top diplomat said.

European Union nations on Monday set out conditions for lifting sanctions on Syria and kick-starting aid to the conflict-ravaged country amid uncertainty about its new leaders’ intentions just over a week after they seized power.

European Union nations want guarantees from Syria’s new leaders that they are preparing for a peaceful political future involving all minority groups, and where extremism, Russia and Iran have no place,

Syrian government has been under strict sanctions by United States, European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 201