US Seeks UN Approval to Lift Sanctions on Syria's President
The United States has proposed a draft resolution that aims to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, as he is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House.
UNITED NATIONS: The United States has put forth a draft United Nations Security Council resolution to lift sanctions imposed on Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa.
This proposal, which was obtained by Reuters on Tuesday, would also include the lifting of sanctions on Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.
However, it remains unclear when this resolution may be voted upon in the 15-member Security Council.
To pass, a resolution requires at least nine affirmative votes and must not be vetoed by any of the five permanent members: Russia, China, the United States, France, or Britain.
The US has been advocating for months to ease the current sanctions on Syria.
The draft resolution comes as a result of several developments in the region.
After 13 years of civil war, Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted in December when insurgent forces, led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), successfully launched a lightning offense.
Since May 2014, HTS has been listed under the UN Security Council’s sanctions regime.
Several members of the group, including its leader Sharaa and Khattab, are subject to travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes as part of these sanctions.
Despite the proposed resolution not yet being adopted, a Security Council sanctions committee has been granting Sharaa travel exemptions on a regular basis this year, meaning he is likely still permitted to visit the White House.
In May, US President Donald Trump announced a significant shift in US policy towards Syria when he stated that the country would lift its sanctions on Syria.
The current situation highlights an evolving diplomatic landscape as the international community continues to navigate the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Syria.
This proposal, which was obtained by Reuters on Tuesday, would also include the lifting of sanctions on Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.
However, it remains unclear when this resolution may be voted upon in the 15-member Security Council.
To pass, a resolution requires at least nine affirmative votes and must not be vetoed by any of the five permanent members: Russia, China, the United States, France, or Britain.
The US has been advocating for months to ease the current sanctions on Syria.
The draft resolution comes as a result of several developments in the region.
After 13 years of civil war, Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted in December when insurgent forces, led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), successfully launched a lightning offense.
Since May 2014, HTS has been listed under the UN Security Council’s sanctions regime.
Several members of the group, including its leader Sharaa and Khattab, are subject to travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes as part of these sanctions.
Despite the proposed resolution not yet being adopted, a Security Council sanctions committee has been granting Sharaa travel exemptions on a regular basis this year, meaning he is likely still permitted to visit the White House.
In May, US President Donald Trump announced a significant shift in US policy towards Syria when he stated that the country would lift its sanctions on Syria.
The current situation highlights an evolving diplomatic landscape as the international community continues to navigate the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Syria.
