Dhaka, May 21 -- The European Union will lift sanctions on Syria's economy but keep those in place targeting the former Assad regime, the EU's top diplomat announced Tuesday.

Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke after chairing a meeting of foreign ministers from the 27-member bloc. She said the decision was designed to avert poverty and radicalism in the country after more than a decade of civil war sent millions fleeing, including to Europe, AP reports.

The sanctions are "conditional" and could be resumed if the new government of Ahmad al-Sharaa doesn't keep the peace, Kallas said.

"Saving lives must be our top priority on Syria," she said.

The announcement came a week after US President Donald Trump's meeting with al-Sharaa and hi...