United Nations Lifts Sanctions on Syria's Leader Before White House Visit
Security Council representatives gave the green light to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his White House visit next week.
He was appointed transitional president subsequent to commanding a revolutionary movement that ousted the previous leader in the final month of 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of civil war.
America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" after Assad's removal.
Previously, he faced global penalties while commanding the Muslim faction HTS, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. America delisted HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations during July.
Additional Sanctions Relief
Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on penalties against the Syrian interior official Anas Khattab.
Syria's foreign minister applauded the lifting of the sanctions, stating online: "Syria expresses its appreciation to the United States and supportive states for assisting the country and its population."
Forthcoming Presidential Visit
President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday follows President Trump said the Syrian leader achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.
Both presidents held discussions initially this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through the region.
After that meeting, Trump portrayed Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background".
The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria prior to breaking relations during 2016.
Prior United States Journey
Monday's visit does not represent the president's debut journey to the US this year. During September, he became the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the UN General Assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.
During his address, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and expressed solidarity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.
- Syrian leader addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion in almost 60 years
- The high-level talks with Sharaa, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes