END OF SANCTIONS ON SYRIA:
Today, President Donald J. Trump took a significant step by signing an Executive Order that effectively ends the sanctions program against Syria, aiming to foster the nation’s journey toward stability and peace.
- This Order lifts sanctions on Syria while keeping in place restrictions against Bashar al-Assad, his inner circle, violators of human rights, drug traffickers, individuals involved in chemical weapons activities, ISIS affiliates, and Iranian proxies.
- The Secretary of State is tasked with assessing the possibility of suspending sanctions—either in full or partially—if specific conditions outlined in the Caesar Act, which targets the Assad regime for its atrocities, are met.
- The Order allows for a relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives limitations on some foreign assistance to Syria.
- It also instructs the Secretary of State to reconsider the designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
- Additionally, the Secretary of State will review the designations of HTS and Ahmed al-Sharaa as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- Moreover, the Order includes a directive for the Secretary of State to reassess Syria’s classification as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
- Lastly, the Secretary of State is encouraged to seek avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations to promote stability in Syria.
GIVING SYRIA AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROSPER:
President Trump is dedicated to nurturing a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace both internally and with its neighbors.
- The President’s vision for Syria’s success is clear—but not at the cost of U.S. interests. While aiming for constructive engagement, this administration remains vigilant against threats and will monitor critical priorities: fostering normalization of ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorist groups, deporting Palestinian terrorists, and ensuring effective management of ISIS detention facilities in northeastern Syria.
- These U.S. sanctions were initially imposed in response to the Assad regime’s violent repression of the Syrian populace and its support for terrorism across the region.
- Recent positive shifts and actions taken by the Syrian government, following the decline of Assad’s oppressive rule, hint at a potential for a more stable and peaceful future.
- Lifting these sanctions is expected to bolster Syria’s reconstruction efforts and combat terrorism without inadvertently empowering harmful entities.
- A unified Syria that safeguards its citizens and renounces extremism can enhance security and prosperity throughout the Middle East.
- This approach aligns with U.S. objectives to promote peace and stability in the region while ensuring accountability for those responsible for past atrocities and terrorist acts.
PROMISE MADE, PROMISE FULFILLED:
President Trump is following through on his commitment to provide Syria with the opportunity to rebuild and thrive by lifting sanctions while ensuring accountability for those who pose harm.
- On May 13, President Trump declared his intention to lift sanctions on Syria to “provide them a chance at greatness.”
- President Trump stated: “The sanctions were harsh and crippling and served an important function—but now it’s their moment to shine … So, I say, ‘Good luck, Syria.’ Show us something extraordinary.”
- The Treasury Department promptly initiated the first step in lifting sanctions by issuing a general license, known as GL25, permitting transactions involving the interim Syrian government, its central bank, and state-run enterprises. Concurrently, the State Department granted a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.
- President Trump is now taking decisive action to fully implement the termination of the Syria sanctions program, fulfilling his earlier pledge.
- The international community should take note: if meaningful progress towards peace and stability is desired, the United States stands ready to act swiftly in support.
- President Trump expressed hope that Syria’s new government “will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and maintaining peace.”
- He also believes “there is significant potential in collaborating with Syria to combat radicalism, improve relations, and achieve peace in the Middle East.”
