The announcement ended weeks of debate by EU members regarding an energy
boycott of Syria. The EU decision did not prevent British or other European
contractors from continuing energy projects for the regime of Syrian
President Bashar Assad.
Syria has been producing about 380,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Most of the Syrian exports of 150,000 barrels per day were destined to EU
states, including France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
In August, the United States imposed an oil embargo on Damascus. The
U.S.
move went beyond that of the EU and also banned investments in Syria.
Britain has helped develop Syria's energy sector. Britain's Gulfsands
Petroleum has been searching for oil and natural gas in several areas of the
Arab country amid the Sunni revolt.
The EU also said it would maintain its arms embargo on the Assad regime.
Several European states, particularly Britain and France, were reported to
have sold light weapons and technology to Syria's military and security
forces.
"The arms embargo imposed on Syria on May 9 continues to remain in
place," the EU said.