Italy Pledges 68 Million Euros in Aid for Syria

Italy has earmarked some 68 million euros ($73.20 million) to finance humanitarian projects and rebuild infrastructure in Syria, Rome’s foreign minister told lawmakers on Thursday, saying it was crucial to support the transition in Damascus.

“An initial package has been earmarked for humanitarian initiatives in the hospital and health sector, in infrastructure, and in strengthening food supply chains,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told a parliamentary hearing.

“New cooperation projects will start in the coming weeks. And we also intend to organize a business forum aimed at reconstruction,” he added, according to Reuters.
Earlier this month, donors at a European Union-led conference pledged 5.8 billion euros to help Syria’s new authorities with the challenges of the transition.

EU countries have also suspended a range of sanctions against Syria, including restrictions related to energy, banking, transport and reconstruction.
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