US suspends selective restrictions against Syria, hopes for Western sanctions | News

Washington paves the way for operations necessary for humanitarian purposes, and this is considered an “important step” in the direction of softening the regime of sanctions imposed by the West on the country.

The United States has announced that it is easing selected restrictions on Syria’s transitional government.

The U.S. Treasury issued a six-month general license with the Syrian government late Monday, allowing certain transactions, including some energy sales and incidental transactions.

The US said the move was intended to allow humanitarian aid to enter the country after the ouster of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad last month. shows that there is some progress in their efforts Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)The main group that overthrew Assad is currently managing Syria’s transition period and strengthening international relations.

The activity is not removed any sanctions but they will ensure that they “do not interfere with activities to meet basic human needs, including the provision of government services or humanitarian assistance,” the US Treasury Department said.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said the end of Assad’s “brutal and repressive rule backed by Russia and Iran” created a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild.

“Treasury will continue to support humanitarian aid and responsible governance in Syria during this transition.”

Widespread Western sanctions are weakening Syria’s economy and jeopardizing its recovery after more than 13 years of civil war. United States of Americaas well as the European Union imposed sanctions against Assad and his regime for war crimes and human rights violations.

Despite the ouster of Assad, sanctions remain in place. European officials Recently, Syria’s new rulers said they would not be removed from office until they demonstrated they will protect minorities and share power.

Syria’s new trade minister warned on Monday that Damascus is unable to sign deals to import fuel, wheat or other essential goods because of tough US sanctions, despite the desire of many nations, including Gulf Arab states.

Maher Khalil al-Hassan told the Reuters news agency that Syria’s new ruling administration has managed to stockpile enough wheat and fuel for several months, but the country faces “disaster” if sanctions are not frozen or lifted soon.

“Important Step”

“The new administration… wants all these sanctions lifted. But this is an important step taken by the United States – because Western sanctions are in force from the European Union and other allied Western countries, but they think that these sanctions mainly come from the United States,” said Al Jazeera’s Diplomatic Editor James Bais. From Damascus, he said.

This statement was made after a meeting in Damascus between HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was connected to al-Qaeda at the time, and Barbara Leaf, the top diplomat of the United States for the Middle East.

The United States and the United Nations have recognized HTS as a terrorist organization for a long time. However, the US gradually lifted some penalties after Assad’s departure, including reducing the $10 million reward for al-Shara.

Another positive development for Syria’s new rulers has been international flights to the war-torn nation set to continue on tuesday.

No flights have taken off or landed since pro-Assad forces left the Syrian capital’s airport on December 8.

Last Thursday, Qatar Airways announced that it would resume flights to Damascus after nearly 13 years, starting with three flights a week.