Syria's new FM calls for sanctions to be lifted as country moves forward

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, outlined the goals and challenges facing the interim administration, which took power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking to Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra on New Year’s Day, al-Shaibani provided provided an update on the administration’s progress, revealing that a crucial National Dialogue Conference will take place on January 5 to shape the future agenda for Syria, Caliber.Az reports.

The sanctions imposed on Syria by countries including Australia, Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, and the United States, were initially intended as a response to the violent crackdown on protesters during the 2011 uprising, which escalated into a devastating civil war. However, al-Shaibani argued that the context for these sanctions has changed.

“The main reason for them was gone,” he said. “The thousands of detainees that al-Assad kept in ‘human slaughterhouses’ around the country are free, and Syria is working to repair the damage.” He stressed that the enforcement of these sanctions is now “meaningless and ineffective.”

While the US had placed a $10m bounty on the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Sharaa, who spearheaded the anti-Assad offensive, al-Shaibani noted a positive shift in diplomatic relations. Following a visit by US officials to Damascus in December, the US signalled a willingness to engage, with Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, announcing the removal of the bounty.

“We fully support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that results in an inclusive and representative government which respects the rights of all Syrians, including women, and Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities,” Leaf stated.

One of the key priorities of the new administration, al-Shaibani revealed, is to foster openness and rebuild relations with the international community. His upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia could mark a significant step towards Syria’s re-admission to the Arab League. While relations with the United States remain pivotal, al-Shaibani expressed readiness to enhance these ties, contingent on the willingness of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. “Syria today is open to all and ready to engage with all parties,” he affirmed.

Addressing concerns raised about potential violence against minorities in Syria, al-Shaibani reassured that the new government would treat all citizens equally, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. He cautioned that a focus on these issues by external parties could inadvertently divide Syrian society further. “An American focus on these issues might reinforce divisions within Syrian society and contribute to its fragmentation,” he said.

Experts, such as Muhanad Seloom from the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, praised the new administration’s progress in appealing to the international community and showing restraint in protecting Syria’s ethnic groups.

However, as al-Assad’s fall begins to settle into history, Syrians are turning their attention to the challenges ahead. “People will start asking more questions about the challenges ahead,” said Al Jazeera’s Ahelbarra. “This new administration promised to increase government salaries by 400 percent.

But when they took over the central bank, the coffers were empty – it was all embezzled by the Assad regime.” The road ahead remains uncertain, but the Syrian people are eager to see how their new government will address these formidable obstacles.

By Aghakazim Guliyev