US lifts all sanctions on Syria

The US Congress has lifted all economic sanctions imposed on Syria under former President Bashar al-Assad. The US legislature has taken this step to pave the way for domestic and foreign investment in Syria, which has been devastated by civil war and ethnic conflict. After the death of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, his son Bashar al-Assad became president of Syria in July 2000. During Bashar’s rule, the US imposed dozens of sanctions on Syria. These sanctions included restrictions on the sale of fuel oil and foreign investment.
After the change of power in Syria, US President Donald Trump suspended the implementation of those sanctions, taking into account the recommendations of Saudi Arabia and Turkey. But President Shara wanted the sanctions to be lifted completely. Yesterday, a bill was introduced in the Senate, the upper house of the US Congress. After the proposal, 77 senators voted in favor of lifting the sanctions, while 20 voted against. The Senate vote has already been approved by the House of Representatives and President Trump.
After the vote, Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Jeanne Shaheen told AFP, “This step gives ordinary Syrians a real opportunity to rebuild their country after decades of unimaginable suffering.” Meanwhile, Syria expressed joy at the news of the lifting of sanctions. The country’s foreign minister said in an instant message, “We welcome the move by the US Senate to lift sanctions in order to stand by the Syrian people.”

Source: Daily Sabah