UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - 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, told the Security Council on Wednesday.

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 U.S. on Monday eased some restrictions on Syria’s transitional government after Islamist insurgents ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad. U.S.

Foreign Ministry hails recent US measures easing sanctions, calling for their full removal to support recovery and stability - Anadolu Ajansı

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.

The US issued a six-month sanctions waiver on the sale of energy, humanitarian supplies and personal remittances

The EU, United States, Britain and other governments imposed tough sanctions on Syria after Assad's crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011 spiraled into civil war. HTS has renounced its ties with Al Qaeda but is still designated a terrorist entity by the United Nations and U.S.

The United States on Monday temporarily eased sanction restrictions targeting Syria to facilitate transactions with the Middle Eastern country's interim government and the flow of humanitarian aid.

The authorization comes after rebels toppled the Syrian government last month and is intended to allow humanitarian groups to operate more freely without running afoul of U.S. sanctions.

The decision underscores the White House’s wariness about removing the broad sanctions on Syria until the direction taken by its new leaders, led by a group the U.S. labels a te