UNSC considers easing sanctions, restoring financial ties with Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UN Security Council is reviewing a US-drafted resolution that would ease long-standing sanctions on Syria and reopen limited financial dealings with Damascus — marking the most significant policy shift toward the country in over a decade, The National reported on Monday.
Circulated among Council members on Oct. 9, the draft would permit the flow of financial assets and economic resources to Syria’s central government, while maintaining restrictions on groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda. It calls on all states, including Syria, to prevent support to such organizations.
If adopted, the resolution would partially relax the arms embargo, allowing UN-supervised transfers of technical equipment for chemical weapons disposal, nuclear protection, and demining, seen as vital for reconstruction and refugee return.
The text also proposes delisting Syria’s Transitional President Ahmad al-Shara and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from UN sanctions.
Diplomats said China expressed support, signaling rare consensus among the Security Council’s five permanent members.
However, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — a former al-Qaeda affiliate and key component of al-Shara’s administration — would remain sanctioned.
Analyst Maya Ungar from the International Crisis Group told The National that the resolution aims to lift asset freezes to encourage financial engagement and enable UN operations. “It’s meant to reassure investors, but many banks will remain cautious,” she said.
If approved under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the move would mark the first major easing of restrictions on Syria since 2011.