US eases sanctions to boost Syrian ties and investments
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a special license, known as GL25, on Friday that allows 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 reported.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also suspended part of the sanctions under the Caesar Act for 180 days. This suspension aims to ensure that sanctions do not hinder investments and to facilitate access to essential services such as electricity, energy, water, and sewage. It is also intended to support humanitarian efforts.
The Trump administration emphasized that these measures align with the "America First" policy of the president. The goal is to foster new relationships between Syria and America.
Reuters notes that the lifting of sanctions comes with conditions that were to be presented by Trump to President al-Sharaa during a meeting in Riyadh. Syria must expel all foreign fighters and deport what Trump referred to as "Palestinian terrorists," 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 toward lifting the sanctions imposed in 2011, considering them a step in the right direction aimed at alleviating people's suffering and economic challenges. 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 these restrictions will facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations, encourage foreign investment and trade, and support the reconstruction of Syria. However, Reuters points out that the longstanding sanctions, as well as the potential for their re-imposition, may still create uncertainty among private U.S. companies regarding investments in Syria's reconstruction.
