Damascus authorities welcome UK sanctions lift
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Damascus authorities hailed the UK’s decision to lift key sanctions, calling it a positive step toward normalizing international relations and supporting national reconstruction efforts.
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Children buy from a street vendor in an open market in Aleppo, Syria, Thursday, January 30, 2025 (AP)
The interim Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the United Kingdom's decision to lift sanctions on several key sectors, calling it a "constructive step" towards restoring international relations and supporting the urgent needs of the Syrian people.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the interim ministry emphasized that the removal of these restrictions would allow Syria to initiate critical reforms in public services, enhance security sectors, and attract much-needed foreign investment.
Sanctions relief to boost public sector
According to the statement, lifting sanctions on essential sectors is expected to significantly improve living conditions in Syria. The move, it noted, is a vital acknowledgment of the Syrian people's right to live in safety and prosperity.
"The lifting of British sanctions is an important recognition of the Syrian people's right to live securely and thrive," the ministry stated, highlighting that this policy shift could pave the way for broader international engagement in Syria’s recovery.
Syria signals readiness for cooperation
The interim Syrian Foreign Ministry also declared its readiness to engage with all international partners committed to Syria’s stability and reconstruction. It reiterated its openness to collaborate with entities seeking to contribute to the country’s rebuilding process, particularly in sectors heavily impacted by years of conflict and external restrictions.
"Syria is prepared to work with all international partners committed to its stability and reconstruction," the ministry affirmed.
UK lifts sanctions on Syrian ministers, agencies
Reuters reported on Thursday that the United Kingdom had officially lifted sanctions on Syria’s defense and interior ministries, along with several intelligence agencies, in a significant Syria asset freeze reversal.
This decision marks a shift in the UK-Syria foreign policy, following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by armed forces led by the Islamist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in December.
A notice from the British finance ministry, published online on Thursday, confirmed that 12 Syrian entities are no longer subject to an asset freeze. These include the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and the General Intelligence Directorate.
The notice did not elaborate on the reasons behind this policy change.
UN envoy calls for lifting sanctions on Syria, warns of effects
In mid-April, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, warning of their "catastrophic consequences on the Syrian people," and stressed the need to support the country’s new government in its efforts to rebuild and stabilize.
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Pedersen said, "The political situation in Syria has changed," describing the new Syrian government as "better than its predecessor." He urged the international community to "extend a helping hand so it can succeed in its reconstruction mission."
In February, the European Council of the European Union suspended several restrictive measures over the situation in Syria, adding that the decision comes as part of the EU's "efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization."
The European Council said the bloc "aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people, and businesses, in key areas of energy and transport, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions associated with such sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes."
