Reuters: Syria responds to US conditions for sanctions relief in private letter

Syria has delivered a written response to US conditions for partial sanctions relief, asserting it has addressed most demands while saying others require "mutual understandings," according to a copy of the letter seen by Reuters.

Last month, the United States provided Syria with a list of eight conditions, including destroying remaining chemical weapons and barring foreigners from senior government roles. In return, Washington offered to extend limited sanctions relief, granted for six months in January, for two years and possibly issue an additional exemption.

Reuters first reported that senior US official Natasha Franceschi handed the list to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani during a March 18 meeting at a Syria donor conference in Brussels. Shibani’s first address to the United Nations Security Council on Friday echoed the private letter's contents, which have not been previously disclosed.

The four-page letter pledges to establish a liaison office to search for missing US journalist Austin Tice, outlines efforts to dismantle chemical weapons, and details closer cooperation with a global arms watchdog. However, it offers little on removing foreign fighters or permitting US counterterrorism strikes, noting those matters require further talks.

A US State Department spokesperson confirmed receipt of Syria's response, stating it was being evaluated. The US reiterated that it does not recognise any entity as Syria's government and that normalisation depends on the interim authorities’ actions.

The letter mentions prior discussions with former US envoy Daniel Rubinstein about foreign fighters and notes the suspension of issuing military ranks following the controversial appointment of six foreign fighters in December. However, it does not confirm whether those promotions were revoked.

On counterterrorism, Syria promised its government would not tolerate threats to US or Western interests and would introduce "appropriate legal measures," but avoided granting explicit permission for US strikes.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa had earlier stated that US troops are in Syria without state approval and emphasised that foreign military presence must be coordinated with Damascus.

Diplomatic sources said Syria’s response fully addressed five of the eight US conditions but left others unresolved. The letter, dated April 14, proposed a meeting to discuss reopening embassies and lifting sanctions.

Regarding Palestinian militants, Syria stated that armed factions outside state control would not be allowed and announced the creation of a committee to monitor Palestinian factions. Shortly after, Syria detained two Islamic Jihad officials.

Importantly, Syria vowed not to allow its territory to threaten any party, including Israel.

By Tamilla Hasanova