EU admits oil-aid to Syria rebels will do little to help

EU countries have agreed to start buying oil from Syrian rebels in a largely symbolic move designed to give moral support.

The decision, which entered into force on 23 April 2013, allows EU governments to buy crude oil and petrol and to supply the equipment and financial assistance needed to get it out of the country.

Under a control mechanism, governments must consult the rebellion's political wing, the Syrian National Coalition, before going ahead and must ensure transactions do not benefit any of the 179 regime people or 53 regime-linked companies on an EU blacklist.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: What is the Free Syrian Army? An inside look http://www.europeansources.info/record/what-is-the-free-syrian-army-an-inside-look/

EurActiv, 23.04.13: EU eases Syria oil sanctions to help rebels http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/eu-eases-syria-sanctions-help-re-news-519280

ESO: Background information: EU offers Syria rebels 'non-lethal' equipment http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-offers-syria-rebels-non-lethal-equipment/

BBC News, 24.04.13: Hundreds of Europeans fighting in Syria, says EU expert http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22275456

BBC News, 26.04.13: US, UK suspect Syria of using chemical weapons http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/europe/

BBC News, 10.05.13: Cameron and Putin to discuss Syrian conflict in talks in Sochi http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22478441

Spiegel Online International, 15.05.13: Iraq Effect: Germany Fears US Intervention in Syria http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-sees-chemical-weapons-as-trigger-for-intervention-in-syria-a-899962.html

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