What did US sanctions relief on Syria include?
The US Treasury announced the easing of sanctions on Syria, in line with US interests and to facilitate economic and humanitarian activity in Syria.
As part of a comprehensive review of US policy toward Syria, the US Treasury Department announced a package of amendments on Friday that included easing sanctions imposed on Damascus, focusing on economic and humanitarian aspects, without affecting the measures imposed on the Ba'athist regime and its main supporters.
The department explained that the decision is part of a broader government effort to reassess the entire sanctions framework imposed since the era of Bashar al-Assad, noting that the new easing allows for the expansion of economic activity in various Syrian sectors, while excluding any support for terrorist organizations or individuals involved in human rights violations, war crimes, or drug trafficking.
The statement emphasized that the decision does not include any transactions that might benefit Russia, Iran, or North Korea, explaining that its goal is to contribute to the reconstruction of the Syrian economy, stimulate investment, and revitalize the financial sector and infrastructure, in line with US interests.
US President Donald Trump announced during his visit to Saudi Arabia in May his intention to lift the sanctions, describing them as "harsh and crippling."
For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the United States will not lift the sanctions completely at this time, but will activate specific waivers renewable every 180 days under the Caesar Act.
Rubio indicated that Washington has granted entry visas to Syrian officials to facilitate diplomatic meetings, without violating the essence of the imposed sanctions. He emphasized that the move falls within the context of a cautious openness to a new reality that requires flexible and dynamic tools in dealing with the Syrian issue.
Sh-S
ANHA
