United Nations Lifts Restrictions on Syria's Leader Before White House Visit
United Nations Security Council members voted in favour to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his presidential meeting the coming week.
He was appointed provisional head of state subsequent to commanding an insurgent campaign that drove out the former president in the final month of 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of civil war.
America's diplomat UN ambassador Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" following Assad's ouster.
Sharaa was under global penalties in his role as head of the Muslim faction the HTS movement, once connected to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.
Additional Sanctions Relief
Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.
The Syrian diplomatic chief applauded the lifting of the sanctions, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and supportive states for assisting of Syria and its people."
Upcoming White House Meeting
President Sharaa's presidential meeting on Monday comes after US President Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa achieved "significant advancement" working toward stability to the war-torn country.
Both presidents held discussions on their first occasion in May, when Trump visited Riyadh on a tour of Arab nations.
After that meeting, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past".
His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch within Syria before he cut connections in 2016.
Earlier American Trip
Monday's visit is not the president's debut journey to the US this year. In September, he became the initial Syrian president to speak before the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.
Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" and demonstrated unity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.
- President Sharaa presents to international community on historic occasion after nearly six decades
- The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes