U.S. eases Syrian sanctions amidst complex diplomatic dance
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a special license (known as GL25) on Friday, allowing trade with the interim Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as with the central bank and state-owned Syrian companies, the AP agency reported.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also suspended part of the sanctions under the so-called Caesar Act for 180 days. This action was taken to ensure that the sanctions do not hinder investments and to facilitate access to essential services such as electricity, energy, water, and sewage. It is also intended to assist humanitarian efforts.
The Trump administration emphasized that these steps align with the "America First" policy of the President. They are meant to create new relationships between Syria and America.
The Reuters agency notes that the lifting of sanctions comes with conditions that Trump was to present to President al-Sharaa during a meeting in Riyadh. Syria must expel all foreign fighters and deport "Palestinian terrorists" — as Trump put it — and help the U.S. in combating the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS).
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs positively assessed the U.S. administration's actions towards lifting the sanctions imposed in 2011, considering them a step in the right direction, aiming to alleviate people's suffering and economic problems. At the same time, Syria expressed its willingness to cooperate with other countries based on mutual respect and without interference in its affairs.
Washington hopes that easing the restrictions will facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations, encourage foreign investment and trade, and also support the reconstruction of Syria. However, Reuters points out that the sanctions, which have been in place for many years, along with the possibility of their re-imposition, may still maintain uncertainty among private U.S. companies regarding investing in Syria's reconstruction.
