France, Jan. 27 -- Some European Union sanctions against Syria are being suspended, France's foreign minister said on Monday, as top EU diplomats met in Brussels to discuss a coordinated approach to sanctions relief. The bloc wants to help stabilise Damascus after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December.

The 27-nation EU imposed wide-ranging sanctions on the Assad government and Syria's economy during its civil war.

Brussels says it is now willing to ease sanctions on the expectation the new authorities make good on commitments to form an inclusive transition.

The aim is to help the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country andbuild bridges with its new leadership after the end of the Assad family's five-decade rule.

"If ...