U.S., Syrian officials hail removal of Syria from terrorism list
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. and Syrian officials on Monday welcomed Washington’s decision to remove Syria from the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, describing the move as a historic turning point and a step toward rebuilding ties between Damascus and Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he had formally rescinded Syria’s designation, saying the decision could open new prospects for the country’s economic recovery.
“Today, I formally rescinded Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism,” Rubio said, adding that the move would “unlock new potential for Syria’s economic revitalization and progress.”
He added that the Trump administration would continue pursuing policies aimed at strengthening U.S. national security while promoting peace, prosperity and security across the Middle East.
U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack described the decision as “another historic milestone” in President Donald Trump’s approach toward Syria.
Barrack said the designation had long represented a barrier between Syrians and the investment and economic opportunities needed to rebuild the country.
“Today, another wall comes down,” he added, arguing that capital and commerce could help replace conflict and isolation.
He described the decision as a foundation for a new relationship between the United States and Syria based on “shared interests, mutual security, and shared prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani congratulated Syrians on what he described as a “historic milestone,” saying the removal of Syria from the list came after 47 years under a designation associated with the policies and practices of the former government.
“This designation was never the choice of the Syrian people, nor was it befitting of Syria and its history,” al-Shaibani said.
He added that the decision reflected the transformation Syria had undergone and the new government’s commitment to international peace and security and cooperation with the United States and other countries.
Al-Shaibani also thanked Trump, Rubio, Barrack, members of Congress and others who contributed to the decision, pledging that Damascus would continue working to overcome decades of isolation and strengthen stability and development in Syria and the region.
The decision drew a shared message from officials in Washington and Damascus, who portrayed it as an opportunity to move beyond Syria’s long isolation and begin a new chapter in bilateral relations.