UK removes sanctions on defence and interior ministries of Syria
The UK has lifted sanctions on Syria’s defence and interior ministries, as well as several intelligence agencies, in a significant step toward normalising relations with Syria’s new leadership, Middle East Eye via Reuters reported on April 24th.
The UK Treasury published an announcement confirming the removal of asset freezes. This shift comes despite the current Syrian government being led by figures formerly affiliated with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group the UK and US both classify as a terrorist organisation.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who now leads Syria, has publicly called for the full removal of sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad’s rule. He described them as a punishment for crimes committed by the former regime.
In March, the UK also lifted sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including state oil companies and the national airline, and unfroze all assets of the Central Bank of Syria, making it the first country to do so, the BBC reported on April 24th.
Analysts view the UK’s decision as a major diplomatic move, athough many argue it will remain largely symbolic unless the US also adjusts its policy. Chris Doyle, from the Council for Arab-British Understanding, emphasised the need for the US to lift banking restrictions to make any real difference.
Meanwhile, the US continues to demand reforms before offering broader sanctions relief. In March, US officials delivered a list of conditions to Syria’s foreign minister, including a crackdown on Palestinian armed groups, the removal of foreign fighters, and permission for US counterterrorism operations.
Responding to these pressures, Syrian authorities recently arrested two senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad officials. However, the group’s armed wing condemned the arrests, calling them unexpected and unjust.
Middle East Eye via Reuters, BBC
