President Donald Trump has declared the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, marking a significant foreign policy shift during his Middle East tour.

Speaking at an investment forum in Riyadh, Trump emphasized that the decision would allow Syria "a chance at greatness," paving the way for economic recovery following years of devastation. 

The announcement was met with celebrations in Damascus, where residents welcomed the policy change with public gatherings and gunfire.

The sanctions, originally imposed to pressure Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship, had restricted foreign financing and aid from reaching Syria. However, with Assad ousted in December, Syria's new leadership has been advocating for the removal of restrictions to rebuild the war-torn nation.

Trump’s remarks came ahead of a planned meeting with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, set to take place Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. The lifting of sanctions has been widely interpreted as a gesture of support for the new Syrian administration.

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hailed the decision as a "pivotal turning point," expressing optimism for economic stability and reconstruction. 

Al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, had previously urged the US and European nations to lift sanctions and re-evaluate terrorist designations, including that of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led Assad’s overthrow.

Despite Syria’s leadership promising protection for ethnic minorities, concerns persist following clashes in March, where hundreds from Assad's Alawite sect were killed.

Trump’s shift in policy aligns with requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who have voiced support for Syria’s reintegration into global financial systems.

The US president continues his Gulf tour with scheduled visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Source: BBC

SMS/