Berut/Amman: Saudi Arabia plans to pay Syrian loans to the World Bank, saying three people familiar with the case, paving a way of millions of dollars in approval for reconstruction and supporting the country’s paralyzed public sector.
The plans, which have not been reported earlier, will be the first known example of Saudi Arabia, providing funding for Syria as Islamic-led rebels topped the former leader Bashar al-Assad last year.
It may also indicate that the important Gulf Arab support for Syria is beginning to begin after the previous plans, including the initiative to pay salaries by Doha, uncertainty on US sanctions.
Last month, Qatar announced a plan to provide Syria with gas through Jordan to improve the country’s low power supply, a step that sources stated that Reuters had approved Washington’s approval.
A spokesman for the Saudi Finance Ministry told Reuters, “We don’t comment on speculation, but declare, if and when they become official, make announcements.”
The Saudi government’s media office, World Bank spokesperson and a Syrian government official did not immediately respond to the remarks requests.
Syria owes about $ 15 million to the World Bank, which may approve international financial institutions grants and be paid before providing other types of assistance.
But Damascus is less than foreign currency and according to two people familiar with the case, the previous plan to pay a loan using frozen assets abroad.
World Bank officials have discussed funding to help re -organize the country’s power grid, which is heavy damaged over the years of war, and to support public sector salary, two sources said.
Reuters reported on Saturday that Syria would send a high-level delegation to Washington for the World Bank and IMF annual spring meetings earlier this month, which was marked by Syrian authorities since Syrian authorities have marked the first visit to the US since the Assad’s expulsion.
It is not clear whether the Syrian delegation will be found with any American authorities or not.
Strict American restrictions imposed during Assad’s rule are applicable.
In January, the US released a six -month discount for some restrictions to encourage humanitarian aid, but had a limited impact.
Last month, the US gave Syria a list of conditions to meet Syria in exchange for relief from partial sanctions, but the administration of US President Donald Trump has otherwise attached very little with the new rulers of the country.
This is due to different views in Washington how to contact Syria.
Some White House officials are willing to take a more difficult line stance, indicating pre-New Syrian leadership relations, as according to diplomats and American sources, there is a minimum of engagement.
