Syria’s al-Sharaa urges the United States to formally lift sanctions.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for the formal lifting of sanctions imposed by the United States during his visit to New York, marking a significant moment as it is the first time in nearly six decades that a Syrian leader has attended the United Nations General Assembly. Al-Sharaa, who played a crucial role in the opposition’s efforts to overhaul Bashar al-Assad’s government, emphasized the pressing need for economic revitalization in Syria.
During his discussions, al-Sharaa noted that previous sanctions, imposed largely as a reaction to Assad’s regime, have worsened the humanitarian situation and are increasingly perceived by the Syrian populace as direct attacks against them. In light of this, he urged American legislators to reconsider the necessity of these sanctions, which have long been codified in U.S. law under the Caesar Syria Civil Protection Act of 2019.
The dialogue surrounding the Caesar Act has gained traction, with some members of Congress, spanning both parties—Republicans and Democrats—advocating for its repeal. Such changes may be included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which is anticipated to be passed by the end of the year.
At the Concordia Annual Summit, held in conjunction with the UN meetings, al-Sharaa articulated Syria’s potential for economic growth, asserting that the country’s workforce is industrious and eager to contribute. He expressed optimism that with the removal of economic barriers, the nation could begin to rebuild and flourish.
Moreover, al-Sharaa engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on the possibilities of enhancing Syria’s relations with Western powers. The Secretary highlighted an opportunity for Syria to establish a stable and sovereign presence, especially following President Trump’s recent initiatives aimed at easing sanctions for Syrian citizens.
The bilateral conversations also touched on broader issues including counterterrorism and regional security, particularly the ongoing complexities of Israel-Syria relations. Despite Israel’s ongoing military actions and occupation of the Golan Heights, al-Sharaa asserted that Syria’s historical and geographical context set it apart from other nations that have signed normalization agreements with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
As negotiations continue, there is hope that leveraging diplomatic opportunities will support Syria’s path toward recovery and development while restoring its position on the international stage.
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