Syria welcomes U.S. sanctions relief, invites global cooperation based on sovereignty and respect
The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Saturday welcomed a US decision to immediately remove sanctions on Syria, considering it a move in “the right direction to relieve the humanitarian and economic suffering in the country.”
The Foreign Ministry’s statement affirmed that it extends its hand for cooperation to all countries “on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs” of Syria, adding that the next phase will focus on rebuilding the country, and “restoring Syria’s normal position in the region and the world.”
The Trump administration issued orders on Friday that it said would effectively lift sanctions on Syria, after the US president this month pledged to unwind the measures to help the country rebuild after a devastating war.
The Treasury Department issued a general license that authorizes transactions involving the interim Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the central bank and state-owned enterprises.
The general license, known as GL25, “authorizes transactions prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria,” the Treasury said in a statement.
“GL25 will enable new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President’s America First strategy,” the statement said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Act to ensure that sanctions do not obstruct investment and to facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation and enable humanitarian efforts, he said in a statement.
