Canada eases sanctions on Syria, appoints new ambassador

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Mar 2025 08:25

Canada’s foreign ministry has announced that it will ease financial sanctions on Syria, allowing funds to be transferred through designated banks, including Syria’s Central Bank.

Members of the new Syrian government security forces deploy at a street in Damascus, Syria, Thursday, March 6, 2025. (AP)

Canada announced Wednesday that it will ease financial sanctions on Syria and appoint an ambassador, as the country's interim government seeks international recognition.

Omar Alghabra, Canada’s special envoy for Syria, emphasized the country’s role in supporting a more inclusive Syria.

"Canada can play a meaningful role in enabling Syrians to build an inclusive country that respects all of its citizens," he claimed. "We also can help prevent Syria from falling into chaos and instability."

According to a statement from Canada’s Foreign Ministry, the sanctions relief will allow funds to be transferred through specific banks, including Syria’s Central Bank. Additionally, Canada’s ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, will now serve as a non-resident ambassador to Syria.

Previously, Canada and other global powers imposed strict sanctions on the now-ousted government of Bashar al-Assad. "These sanctions had been used as a tool against the Assad regime, and easing them will help to enable the stable and sustainable delivery of aid, support local redevelopment efforts, and contribute to a swift recovery for Syria," the statement said.

Commenting on the massacres committed by security forces and allied groups against minorities on Syria’s coast, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen condemned the violence in a joint statement. "We utterly condemn these atrocities and call on the interim authorities to take all necessary measures to end the violence," they said. "Civilians must be protected, the dignity and human rights of all religious and ethnic groups must be upheld, and perpetrators must be held accountable."

It is worth noting that at least 1,383 civilians, the vast majority of whom are Alawites, have been killed in a surge of violence along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Wednesday.

According to the Britain-based war monitor, the civilians were executed by security forces and allied groups following an outbreak of violence last week along Syria's coast.

Although the violence has since subsided, the death toll continues to rise as more bodies are being discovered, many in farmland and private residences, the Observatory noted.

The ongoing violence has triggered mass displacement, with many seeking refuge across the border. Al Mayadeen’s camera has documented the movement of displaced people from Syria into the Akkar villages of northern Lebanon following the bloodshed along the Syrian coast.

Switzerland eases sanctions on Syria amid mass executions of Alawites

Switzerland as well has lifted some of its sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the European Union, citing recent political changes in Damascus. The Swiss Federal Council announced on March 7 that the relaxation of restrictions aims to support a political transition in the country.

"On 7 March, the Federal Council lifted certain sanctions against Syria. In doing so, it is following the decision of the EU," the Swiss government confirmed in a statement.

The policy shift allows certain financial services and banking relationships and eases restrictions on Syria's energy and transport sectors.

Switzerland's decision follows the UK's recent move to lift sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and major energy firms.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed the removal of sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy firms. However, more than 50 entities and 300 individuals remain sanctioned.

"This approach underscores our commitment to help the people of Syria rebuild their country and economy, including through support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process," the FCDO stated last Thursday.