UN Ends Sanctions on President of Syria Before Presidential Visit
The UN Security Council voted in favour to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his presidential meeting next week.
He was appointed interim leader after leading an insurgent campaign that removed Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of internal conflict.
The US representative UN ambassador Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that recognised Syria was in "a new era" after Assad's removal.
He had been subject to global penalties as the leader of the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once connected to the terrorist network. The US removed the group from its registry of foreign terror groups in July.
More Penalties Removed
The UN also removed sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister the interior minister.
The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of the penalties, stating online: "The nation shows its gratitude to Washington and supportive states for their support the Syrian nation and citizens."
Imminent Washington Talks
President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday follows US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.
The two leaders convened initially during May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to Arab nations.
Following that encounter, the US president described the Syrian as a "strong individual" possessing a "powerful background".
His former militant faction operated as the terrorist network's partner inside the country before he cut connections back in 2016.
Prior United States Journey
The upcoming meeting will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US during this period. During September, he became the first Syrian leader to speak before the UN General Assembly in New York for nearly six decades.
Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world" while showing support toward Gaza's residents.
- The Middle Eastern president presents to international community for first time after nearly six decades
- The presidential discussion with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations
