Germany’s foreign minister says sanctions against Syrian officials responsible for war crimes must remain in place but called for a “smart approach” to provide relief to the Syrian population after last month’s overthrow of President Bashar Assad.

Germany has advocated a relaxation of some EU sanctions against Syria following the ouster of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad as Saudi Arabia hosted Sunday an international conference on the situation in the war-shattered country.

The sanctions currently in place are primarily against the former government of Bashar al-Assad and his allies.

During a gathering Sunday, Saudi Arabia urged top European diplomats to lift sanctions against Syria to boost rebuilding the country and its economy after last month’s overthrow

STORY: France said on Wednesday some European Union sanctions on Syria could be lifted soon.A month after the end of Assad family rule, those sanctions are hindering the country's recovery and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid.