Saudi Arabia is pressing top EU diplomats to lift sanctions on Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad last month. The interim government led by former rebels has vowed to move to a pluralist, open system and is seeking international support to help the country recover from years of civil war. Germany has called for a 'smart approach' to sanctions, providing rapid relief for the Syrian population. The United States, European Union, and some Arab nations have imposed sanctions on Syria, but Saudi Arabia argues that continuing them will hinder the country's development and reconstruction.