A U.S. sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria is welcome, but "much more significant work ... will inevitably be necessary," the U.N. special envoy on Syria, Geir Pedersen,

WASHINGTON — A month after the rebel offensive that toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the United States announced a 6-month waiver to ease the delivery of humanitarian aid to the heavily sanctioned country.

European Union sanctions in Syria that obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and hinder the country's recovery could be lifted swiftly, France's foreign minister said Wednesday. The United States on Monday issued a sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria for six months after the end of Bashar al-Assad's rule to try to ease the flow of humanitarian assistance.

Targeted measures under discussion include easing financial transactions, improving air transport, and reducing sanctions on the energy sector to address Syria’s severe power shortages.

According to the Financial Times, which cited its sources on Tuesday, Germany is proposing that the EU ease some sanctions on the Syrian banking and energy sectors in exchange for social reforms and non-proliferation guarantees.

Germany is taking a leading role in discussions within the European Union (EU) about relaxing the sanctions placed on Syria. These sanctions were originally imposed after the violent crackdown on protests by the Syrian government in 2011.