Syria hails its removal from Washington's terror list

Workers rebuild the destroyed old markets in Aleppo, Syria, on Aug 19. MAHMOUD HASSANO/REUTERS

DAMASCUS — Syria on Monday welcomed the US decision to remove the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, calling the move an important step toward ending decades of isolation.

In a statement, Syria's foreign affairs authority said the decision "opens a new chapter in Syria's international relations", adding that it would support the country's economic recovery, help create conditions for reconstruction and strengthen stability and security in Syria.

On Monday, US special presidential envoy for Syria and Iraq, Thomas Barrack, said that Washington had formally revoked the designation.

The US listed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979 and has maintained the designation for decades, citing then Syrian government's ties with Lebanon's Hezbollah, Palestinian factions and Iran.