Easing U.S. sanctions step toward normalization with Syria – U.S. politician
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. Treasury Department’s decision to ease sanctions on Syria represents a step forward toward normalization with Damascus, a politician and former advisor to the U.S. State Department said on Saturday.
Hazem alghabra told North Press that not all sanctions have been lifted, but many have been suspended for a six-month period.
“This marks a positive step toward normalizing relations with Syria and supporting its path toward positive change.”
On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a general license authorizing the easing of certain sanctions previously imposed on Syria. The license includes measures affecting Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Interior Minister Anas Khattab, and several government entities and institutions.
Alghabra noted that this decision was widely anticipated following U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf.
On May 13, during a meeting in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump announced his intention to ease sanctions on Syria in order to provide its government with a new opportunity.
At the time, Trump stated that the United States hopes the new Syrian government will succeed in achieving stability and preserving national security.
Alghabra added, “The President has delivered on his promise to the extent permitted by the executive branch—represented by the Departments of State and Treasury. However, a full lifting of sanctions would require legislative action from Congress, a lengthy and complex process that will take time.”