Sen. Shaheen hails ‘historic’ Syria meeting in Munich
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen described on Saturday her meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi as “historic,” following recent developments between Damascus and the SDF.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where Shaheen led a bipartisan congressional delegation.
She welcomed the meeting as a significant step after the Jan. 29 agreement between the Syrian transitional government and the SDF, describing the deal as critical to advancing national reconciliation and building a unified Syria that protects all its communities.
Shaheen emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and the faithful implementation of the agreement, underscoring the need for inclusive governance and human rights protections during Syria’s political transition.
She reaffirmed her commitment to bipartisan engagement in support of a stable and sovereign Syria that contributes to broader regional security.
In this context, Shaheen highlighted her successful effort to secure the repeal of the Caesar Act sanctions in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
She noted that the Assad-era sanctions had become an obstacle to economic recovery and reconstruction following the regime’s fall.
Lifting the sanctions, she said, aims to give Syrians a genuine opportunity to rebuild, strengthen long-term stability, prevent a resurgence of ISIS, and counter the influence of Iran and Russia.
The meeting signals growing U.S. congressional engagement with Syria’s evolving political landscape, particularly as Damascus and the SDF move forward with implementing their integration agreement within a unified national framework.