May 21 (UPI) -- The European Union has announced it is lifting sanctions on Syria to support the civil war-torn country's economic recovery.

The EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, announced the decision by the European Council, which directs the 27-member bloc's political agenda, on Tuesday.

"We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in a statement.

"The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the last 14 years -- and will keep doing so."

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