UN Removes Penalties on President of Syria Before Presidential Visit
Security Council representatives voted in favour to a US resolution to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his presidential meeting the coming week.
He was appointed transitional president after leading an insurgent campaign that ousted Bashar al-Assad in the final month of 2024, concluding over a decade of civil war.
The US representative to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "an emphatic political statement" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" following Assad's ouster.
Sharaa was under global penalties while commanding the religious organization the HTS movement, once connected to the terrorist network. The US removed HTS from a list of foreign terror groups in July.
More Penalties Removed
The UN also removed penalties against the Syrian interior official Minister Anas Khattab.
Syria's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and to friendly nations for backing the country and its population."
Forthcoming Presidential Visit
President Sharaa's presidential meeting on Monday comes after American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.
The pair met initially during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip on a tour of Arab nations.
After that meeting, America's leader characterized him as a "resilient figure" having a "formative history".
His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country before he cut connections in 2016.
Earlier American Trip
Monday's visit is not his initial visit to America during this period. This past fall, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to present to the global assembly in New York for nearly six decades.
In his speech, he stated the country had been "regaining its deserved status within the global community" and demonstrated unity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.
- President Sharaa presents to international community initially after nearly six decades
- Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, enhances Syrian aspirations
