UK eases sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including Central Bank

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: GOV.UK
7 Mar 2025 02:03

Despite the decision the UK continues to sanction nearly 50 Syrian entities and 300 individuals.

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Cars drive next to the Central Bank of Syria, in Damascus, Syria, on January 7, 2025. (AP)

The United Kingdom lifted sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, the Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies, a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) said.

Sanctions on Syrian nationals the office claimed are affiliated with the previous Syrian regime will remain, as well as others involved in alleged drug trafficking.

"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 British office added.

"We will continue to judge Syria’s interim authorities by their actions, not their words," the spokesperson stated.

The FCDO's decision will lead to the lifting of asset freezes for the aforementioned entities.

Yet, more than 50 entities and 300 individuals remain on the UK’s sanctions list, according to the Financial Times.

Syria has longed battled with unilateral sanctions issued by the United States, the European Union, and the UK. Sanctions were severely ramped up during the period of the Syrian conflict to supposedly target the Syrian government led by ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

However, these sanctions continue to have brutal effects on the Syrian people as a whole, leading to shortages in essential goods and the deterioration of the quality of life for average citizens.

Although the West claimed these policies were directed at the former Syrian regime, the rise of President Ahmad al-Sharaa did not lead to the immediate lifting of sanctions, which continue to impact key industries and sectors.