Guterres calls for lifting sanctions on Syria

Speaking at a press conference in Damascus at the conclusion of his visit, Guterres said: "I welcome the steps taken to ease sanctions and open new prospects for economic recovery, but all these sanctions should be lifted immediately."

During his visit, the UN chief met with families of victims and survivors of chemical attacks in the city of Douma. He also visited Saydnaya Prison, which has become closely associated with the issue of detainees and human rights violations during the Syrian war.

Guterres also met representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations, held talks with the Syrian People's Assembly, and visited the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Syrian Golan.

Earlier, Guterres met with interim Prime Minister Ahmad al-Sharaa to discuss ways to strengthen humanitarian and development cooperation, support early recovery efforts, and reaffirm respect for Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

He also held an expanded meeting with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, attended by Syrian officials and a UN delegation. The two sides discussed the transition from humanitarian response to sustainable development and measures to strengthen stability.

Guterres arrived in Damascus on Saturday morning and began his visit with a tour of the city's historic Old Damascus, including the Umayyad Mosque, accompanied by Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

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ANHA