Syria's new leaders are urging the West to ease sanctions against the country imposed against the Assad regime during the civil war.

But Europe and other powers are reluctant to take steps before the new Islamist-led rulers in Damascus give clear signals that they are serious about a comprehensive transition.

The move, which is expected to get the green light at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, is an official move after the bloc reached a preliminary agreement last month to suspend sanctions in key areas.

Diplomats have said sanctions could be reimposed if Syria's new leaders break promises to respect minority rights and move towards democracy.

The United Nations said that at Syria's current rate of growth, it would take more than 50 years for it to return to its economic level before the outbreak of the devastating civil war.

Much of Syria's infrastructure was destroyed and its economy devastated by years of international isolation after Assad's crackdown on the opposition in 2011 sparked the civil war.

The EU and other international powers have struggled for influence in Syria since the overthrow of Assad, who was backed by Russia and Iran. | BGNES