NEW YORK CITY: The US on Wednesday urged the UN Security Council to ease sanctions on Syria, saying this would be a crucial step in efforts to help stabilize the country and support its political transition.
The US permanent representative to the UN, Mike Waltz, told council members the Syrian government must seize the “historic opportunity” created by President Donald Trump’s decision to pursue sanctions relief for the country.
Trump signed an Executive Order in June formally ending Washington’s broader sanctions program on Syria. However, targeted sanctions remain in place against individuals and entities linked to the former Assad regime, human rights violations or narcotics trafficking, as well as other designated groups. The order also mandates a review of specific listings, and authorizes the easing of export controls on certain goods
“We call on this council to support efforts to ease UN sanctions on Syria, including the removal of restrictions on certain members of Syria’s leadership” imposed under prior Security Council resolutions, Waltz told the council members. “Further relief is critical to giving Syria a chance.”
He thanked member states for their “constructive engagement” on the issue and acknowledged the “many challenges ahead” as Syria seeks to emerge from decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad regime. He reiterated that the US supports a Syria that is “stable, sovereign and vibrant,” but warned that political inclusion and accountability will be essential elements of any meaningful progress.
