Damascus, SANA- US President Donald Trump signed yesterday an executive order to terminate the national emergency declared by Washington against Damascus in 2004 and has been renewed annually since then, which led to comprehensive sanctions targeting vital institutions, most notably the Central Bank of Syria. The order also cancels five other executive orders that formed the basis of the sanctions program.
Lifting-off sanctions a result of intense Syrian diplomatic
This step came as a result of intensive diplomatic activity led by the new Syrian government after the liberation and the overthrow of the former regime.
This step aimed at restoring normal relations between Syria and the international community based on respect and cooperation. It also aimed at reintegrating Syria into the global financial system to begin a new phase of economic and political recovery.
This US move came after similar steps by the European Union, Britain, and Japan to lift sanction in support of the Syrian people to build a new, secure, stable, and prosperous Syria.
White House confirmed in a statement that Trump’s issuance of the executive order fulfills his promise to “give Syria a chance to rebuild and prosper by lifting sanctions” taking into account recent positive changes and actions taken by the Syrian government.
Syria: Trump’s decision is an important turning point
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani hailed President Trump’s historic executive order as an “important turning point that will contribute to propelling Syria toward a new phase of prosperity, stability, and openness to the international community”.
“It opens the doors to long-awaited reconstruction and development, and the rehabilitation of vital infrastructure,” the minister said adding that the move will provide the necessary conditions for the dignified and safe return of displaced Syrians to their homeland.
US sanctions date back to the 1970s.
US sanctions on Damascus date back to 1970s, yet the newest one was Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which came into effect in 2020 based on testimonies and leaked photos from inside the former regime’s prisons, documenting gross human rights violations.
Washington first imposed sanctions on Syria in 1979, when the US State Department placed Damascus on its list of state sponsors of terrorism. This led to restrictions on military and financial aid and a ban on certain exports.
Additional sanctions were imposed in 1986 under the Anti-Terrorism Act. In 2003, Congress passed the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act, which declared a national emergency in US relations with Syria. This act went into effect in May 2004 and led to the imposition of economic sanctions and travel restrictions.
With the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in March 2011, the practices of the former regime’s security apparatus were exposed, leading to the imposition of broad US and international sanctions on Syria, targeting all vital sectors, most notably the banking, transportation, oil and gas, construction, and military sectors.
After victory of the Syrian revolution last December, hopes began to loom of lifting the restrictions that had hindered Syria’s progress in various fields.
Syria today is moving toward the future through the efforts of all its people, and the government’s openness to the world in all fields, supported by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and other brotherly and friendly countries that will play a significant role in reconstruction and recovery.
Noura/Abdul
