United Nations Removes Sanctions on Syria's Leader Ahead of Presidential Visit
The UN Security Council gave the green light to a US resolution ending penalties on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his presidential meeting next week.
Sharaa was named transitional president after leading a rebel offensive that ousted the former president in December 2024, bringing to a close over a decade of civil war.
America's diplomat UN ambassador Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "an emphatic political statement" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" after Assad's removal.
He had been subject to United Nations restrictions in his role as head of the Muslim faction the HTS movement, once connected to al-Qaeda. America delisted the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations during July.
More Penalties Removed
Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister the interior minister.
Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and allied countries for assisting the country and its population."
Upcoming White House Meeting
The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week occurs subsequent to President Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" working toward stability to the previously divided state.
The pair met for the first time in May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia while traveling through the Middle East.
After that meeting, Trump portrayed the Syrian as a "strong individual" possessing a "powerful background".
The HTS organization he led operated as the terrorist network's partner within Syria before he cut connections in 2016.
Previous US Visit
This week's diplomatic engagement will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US during this period. In September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to speak before the global assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.
In his speech, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.
- Syrian leader presents to international community on historic occasion in almost 60 years
- The high-level talks with Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations