U.S. unlikely to oppose Saudi plan to pay Syria’s debts – Analyst
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States is unlikely to oppose Saudi Arabia’s reported plan to settle Syria’s overdue debts to the World Bank, a political analyst said on Wednesday.
Abbas Kadhim, a political analyst based in Washington, told North Press that “Although the United States does not officially recognize the Syrian transitional government, it will not oppose any measure that helps ease the suffering of the Syrian people.”
On April 14, Reuters cited informed sources stating that Saudi Arabia is considering paying approximately $15 million in arrears owed by Syria to the World Bank.
The initiative is reportedly aimed at paving the way for international grants to support reconstruction efforts and bolster Syria’s public sector.
The analyst emphasized that the proposed payments would be made directly to the World Bank and would not go into the hands of the Syrian authorities.
A spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Finance told Reuters, “We do not comment on speculation, but make announcements, if and when they become official.”
So far, neither the World Bank nor Syrian authorities have issued official statements on the matter. The Saudi government’s media office has also not responded to requests for comment.