Syrian leader calls for sanctions relief amid national crisis

Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, widely known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, has called for urgent action, appealing to the international community to lift sanctions imposed during the rule of his predecessor, Bashar al-Assad.

"We now have serious problems to solve, and sanctions relief is necessary to rebuild the economy and ensure the return of displaced citizens," he said during a joint press conference with Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Damascus, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Al-Sharaa, who also serves as the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), highlighted the dire state of the country and acknowledged the profound challenges facing Syria as it begins its recovery after years of conflict.

"Half of Syrian citizens are now living outside the country, and the economic infrastructure inside the country has been destroyed," al-Sharaa stated.

The press conference also marked a notable development in regional diplomacy, with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister pledging Ankara’s support in fostering stability in Syria.

Meanwhile, Minister Fidan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to aiding the reconstruction process and facilitating dialogue with the global community.

Notably, Syria has been subject to a range of international sanctions imposed by various countries and organizations in response to its government's actions over the years. 

In May 2004, the U.S. expanded sanctions through Executive Order 13338, targeting the Syrian government, including the Central Bank of Syria, senior officials, and entities supporting the Assad regime. These measures aimed to disrupt the Assad regime's ability to finance its activities. In June 2020, the US extended the sanctions act further, targeting individuals and entities that support the Assad regime's military operations and human rights abuses.

The EU imposed sanctions on Syria in 2011, including arms embargoes, restrictions on oil imports, investment bans in the Syrian oil industry, and asset freezes targeting the Syrian central bank and specific individuals and entities. In November 2024, the EU added individuals to the sanctions list for continued repression and human rights violations, bringing the total to 318 persons and 86 entities under restrictive measures.

The UN imposed travel bans and asset freezes on individuals suspected of involvement in the 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, in which Syria was implicated. Besides, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others also implemented their sanctions against Syria, aligning with measures taken by the U.S. and EU, including trade restrictions and financial sanctions.

The cumulative effect of these sanctions, combined with the ongoing civil war, has severely impacted Syria's economy. By the end of 2013, the UN estimated economic damage at $143 billion. The World Bank reported that about one-third of Syria's housing stock and half of its health and education facilities were destroyed by 2018. Additionally, the Syrian pound has experienced significant depreciation, leading to hyperinflation and a substantial increase in the cost of living.

Following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad and the establishment of an interim government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), there have been discussions about easing sanctions. The EU has indicated that sanctions could be lifted if the new leadership ensures inclusive governance, respects human rights, and distances itself from extremism, Russia, and Iran. 

By Khagan Isayev