US eases sanctions on Syria, paving way for new relations
The US Treasury Department issued a special licence (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 Associated Press reported.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also suspended part of the sanctions under the so-called Caesar Act for 180 days. This measure aims to ensure that the sanctions do not impede investments and to facilitate access to essential services such as electricity, energy, water, and sewage. It is also designed to support humanitarian efforts.
The Trump administration emphasised that these steps align with the president's "America First" policy. The measures are intended to foster new relationships between Syria and America.
The Reuters news agency notes that the lifting of sanctions comes with conditions that Trump is expected to present to President al-Sharaa during a meeting in Riyadh. Syria must expel all foreign fighters and deport "Palestinian terrorists" – as Trump described them – and assist the US in combating the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS).
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs positively assessed the US administration's actions towards lifting the sanctions imposed in 2011, considering them a step in the right direction aimed at alleviating people's suffering and economic difficulties. Simultaneously, Syria expressed its readiness 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 organisations, encourage foreign investment and trade, and 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, might still maintain uncertainty among private US companies regarding investing in Syria's reconstruction.
