NEW YORK: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Monday renewed his call for the United States to formally lift sanctions imposed under the 2019 Caesar Act, arguing they no longer serve a purpose following last year’s overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government. Sharaa made the appeal during his visit to New York for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly — the first time in nearly six decades that a Syrian leader has attended the gathering.
Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda commander who led rebel forces to victory against Assad, underscored the urgent need to rebuild Syria’s shattered economy. Speaking at a summit on the sidelines of the UNGA, he said the sanctions, initially aimed at the Assad regime, are now widely seen as punishing ordinary Syrians. “We have a big mission to build the economy,” he said. “Syrians love to work, it’s in our genes. So don’t be worried — just lift the sanctions and you will see the results.”
The Caesar Syria Civil Protection Act, passed in 2019, authorised sweeping sanctions targeting Assad’s government and its allies. While President Donald Trump ordered most sanctions suspended following his meeting with Sharaa in Riyadh in May, the act itself remains in US law. Congressional debate is underway over whether to repeal the legislation, with both Republicans and Democrats proposing its removal as an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act expected later this year.
Beyond sanctions, Washington has been pressing Damascus to advance talks with Israel during this week’s UN meetings. Israel and Syria remain technically in a state of war, locked in decades-old disputes over territory, military clashes, and deep political mistrust.
Sharaa said discussions had reached an advanced stage and expressed optimism that a potential deal could balance the interests of both nations. “We hope the outcome will preserve Syria’s sovereignty and also address Israel’s security concerns,” he noted, suggesting that Damascus seeks both an end to Israeli airstrikes and a withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Syria.
Sharaa is scheduled to deliver his first address to the General Assembly today, a symbolic moment marking Syria’s return to the global stage after decades of isolation under Assad.
Leave a comment