Syria Welcomes US Easing of Sanctions
Syria has welcomed the United States' recent decision to ease sanctions, viewing it as a positive step towards alleviating the country's ongoing humanitarian and economic challenges.
Syria's Response
The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that Syria is ready to cooperate with any entity, provided there is no intervention in the country's internal affairs. This marks a potentially significant shift in diplomatic relations.
US Policy Change
The Trump administration has granted sweeping exemptions from sanctions, a measure that could significantly impact Syria, which has been ravaged by 14 years of civil war. This includes a six-month waiver on sanctions imposed by Congress in 2019, as well as a temporary suspension of enforcement against those conducting business with Syrian individuals and institutions, including the central bank.
The Caesar Act
The original sanctions, known as the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, were designed to isolate Syria's government financially. While waivers are possible, long-term investors remain cautious due to the risk of sanctions being reinstated.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. administration has indicated that these actions are part of a broader effort to revise the sanctions framework on Syria, originally imposed due to the Assad regime's support for militias and human rights abuses. Syria's Foreign Ministry emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability and views the future as a period of reconstruction and restoring Syria's global standing.