Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli warplanes launch strikes on regions of al-Mahmoudiyah, al-Khardali
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli aircraft execute series of strikes in Kfar Tibnit, South Lebanon.
Iranian ambassador in Beijing to Al Mayadeen: We hope that Europe and the US give up their illegal actions and authoritarian hegemony.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli shelling targets displaced persons' tent in Al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, casualties were reported
IOF storm Jalazone camp, north of Al Bireh city in the occupied West Bank
Israeli media: A severe incident reported in Gaza some time ago
Israeli media: Military evacuation helicopters are transporting injured soldiers from Khan Younis
Israeli media: A security incident has been reported in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps - Quds Force announces the martyrdom of the head of the Palestine Unit Brigadier General Mohammad Said Izadi.
Sayyed Khamenei: The idea of Iran's surrender is laughable to the wise, for the Iranian people are strong and will remain strong, proud, and honorable.

US downgrades Syria's UN mission legal status: Diplomatic sources

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 7 Apr 2025 19:53
3 Min Read

The move indicates that the United States does not recognize the transitional Syrian government.

Listen
  • x
  • South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 (AP)
    The United Nations logo is seen inside the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 (AP)

The United States has downgraded the legal status of Syria's UN mission from one of a member state of the UN to a mission of an unrecognized government, diplomatic sources told Al Mayadeen on Monday.

Diplomatic sources told Al Mayadeen that the US State Department formally notified the United Nations of the decision via Memorandum No. "41-HC-2025-03-04-2025."

The sources noted that the memorandum regarding Syria’s mission includes the revocation of G1-category visas, which are designated for UN-accredited diplomats, and replacing them with G3-category visas, which are designated for eligible private citizens.

The decision to change the status of the Syrian mission reflects "the United States' non-recognition of the Syrian transitional government," the sources maintained, adding that some countries would align with the US stance on the matter.

Syria’s state news agency, SANA, quoted a senior foreign ministry source as saying that the change to the legal status of Syria’s mission in New York was “purely a technical and administrative procedure.”

However, Hazem al-Ghabra, former Advisor at the US State Department, stated that the United States' decision to downgrade the status of the Syrian Mission to the UN comes after the transitional Syrian government failed to meet some key US demands.

Related News

'Israel' in direct, daily contact with new Syrian gov.: Israeli media

UN, regional governments condemn Damascus church bombing

Al-Ghabra said that the move is both a "political and legal decision," explaining that “according to U.S. immigration and visa laws, any delegation’s visa status must align with its official recognition by the United States. This is about legitimate presence and compliance with American law."

The US had earlier presented demands to the Syrian transitional government without receiving an official response. “The Syrian transitional government in Damascus has neither accepted nor rejected the list, and this lack of clarity poses a serious issue,” al-Ghabra noted.

The US had outlined specific conditions for engaging with the transitional authorities, including a complete rejection of terrorism, the exclusion of foreign terrorist fighters from official positions, and preventing Iran and its affiliated groups from exploiting Syrian territory, according to an April 1 statement by US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

This comes as Syria intensifies it diplomatic efforts with the United States in a bid to obtain relief from sanctions that crippled Damascus' economy throughout 14 years of war on the country.

US sets conditions for Syria sanctions relief

The United States has presented Syria with a set of requirements for partial sanctions relief, including prohibiting foreign nationals from holding senior government positions, six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on March 25.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Syria Natasha Franceschi presented the demands to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani during a meeting on March 18, according to two sources—a US official and a Syrian source.

Among the US conditions are Syria’s destruction of any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles and cooperation on counterterrorism, according to two US officials, a Syrian source, and additional sources in Washington.

Another demand is ensuring that foreign fighters do not occupy senior roles within the government. The issue has drawn international concern, as Syria has reportedly appointed former foreign rebels, including Uyghurs, a Jordanian, and a Turk, to its defense ministry.

  • Syria
  • United States
  • Syrian Mission to the UN
  • United Nations

Most Read

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a protest following the US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

Iran declares victory as ceasefire forces Israeli retreat

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Israeli workers survey the site where a missile launched from Iran struck in Haifa on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

True Promise 3, wave 20: 40 missiles launched, Kheibar-Shekan in first

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025
Iran launches strikes on Israeli targets, despite alleged ceasefire

Iran victorious as ceasefire with 'Israel' takes effect

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Iranian worshippers carry their country's flags in a protest to condemn Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, after the Friday prayers ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP)

Iran warns of NPT withdrawal, Strait of Hormuz closure after US attack

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
The commander of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit, Brigadier General Mohammad Said Izadi (Illustrated by Mahdi Rtail for Al Mayadeen English)
Politics

Who was Mohammad Said Izadi, head of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit?

Hezbollah's now-Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, July 2, 2024 (AP)
Politics

Sheikh Qassem praises Iran resilience in face of 'Israel', US

Al Houthi: Overthrowing Islamic Republic impossible
US & Canada

Sayyed Al Houthi: Overthrowing Islamic Republic of Iran impossible

Reproductive violence used as genocide tool in Gaza: UN
Politics

Reproductive violence used as genocide tool in Gaza: UN

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS