Despite US exemption, “much more work” needed in Syria – UN

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The UN special envoy on Syria, Geir Pedersen, has told the Security Council on January 8th that “much more significant work will inevitably be necessary,” following the decision of the US to issue a sanctions exemption in Syria, according to Reuters.

The exemption, also known as a general license, issued by the US department of the treasury, would allow for transactions with governing institutions in Syria for six months. This follows the end of the Assad regime’s control of Syria.

“I welcome the recent issuance of a new temporary General License by the United States government. But much more significant work in fully addressing sanctions and designations will inevitably be necessary,” Pedersen told the council.

The six month easing of sanctions on Syria would allow for humanitarian assistance and would facilitate the continuation of essential services in the country.

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Additionally, The general license permits transactions supporting the supply, sale, storage or donation of energy resources within Syria. The license also authorises transactions required for non-commercial personal transfers to Syria, including those processed through the Central Bank of Syria.

The U.S. Treasury said the move sought “to help ensure that sanctions do not impede essential services and continuity of governance functions across Syria, including the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation,” according to Reuters. 

In 2011, The United States, along with Britain and the European Union, imposed strict sanctions on Syria following Assad’s response to anti-government protests, which led to a civil war.

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Ultimately, The US decision comes after the end of Bashar Al-Assad’s rule of Syria, which he has ruled for 25 years. During these years, 13 were marked by a brutal civil war between the regime and Syrian rebels.

An anti regime offensive, led by the Syrian rebels, brought an end to Assad’s rule when the group took control of Damascus on December 8th 2024.

The Syrian foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions exemption. He stated on X, “we welcome the exemptions and exceptions concerning the economic sanctions imposed on Syria, as announced by the US administration.” The foreign ministry further called for a full lifting of sanctions to aid Syria’s recovery, according to Anadolu Agency

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Syria’s UN ambassador, Koussay Aldahhak, spoke to the council on behalf of the caretaker authorities. He said: “It is high time to end the suffering, to enable Syrians to live in security and prosperity, to live a dignified life in their country, to build a better future for their country.”

“For this reason, we call upon the United Nations and its member states to immediately and fully lift the unilateral coercive measures to provide the necessary financing to meet humanitarian needs and recover basic services.”

Reuters, Anadolu Agency

 

 



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