UK eases restrictions on key Syrian entities amid shifting Middle East dynamics

The United Kingdom has lifted asset freezes on several key entities in Syria, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, and the General Intelligence Directorate, marking a significant shift in its stance towards the war-torn country.

This move, announced on April 24, reverses sanctions that had been imposed during the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The British government’s decision to de-list these ministries, along with other intelligence agencies, comes amid a broader rethinking of Western policy towards Syria. The reversal follows a series of changes in the Syrian conflict, including the December ousting of President Assad by insurgent forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, after more than 13 years of civil war.

A notice issued by the UK’s finance ministry confirmed that 12 Syrian entities, including the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Interior, are no longer subject to asset freezes. However, the notice did not specify the reasoning behind the decision to lift the sanctions.

This action is part of a gradual re-evaluation of the UK’s approach to Syria, as evidenced by the previous decision in March to unfreeze the assets of Syria’s central bank and 23 other entities, including banks and oil companies. Despite these adjustments, the British government has maintained that sanctions targeting members of the Assad regime would remain in place.

The move comes at a time when Western nations are increasingly reassessing their positions on Syria, particularly following recent developments in the region and shifts in power dynamics. While the UK’s decision to lift certain sanctions marks a significant policy shift, it also underscores the complexities of international diplomacy in a country that has been deeply divided and affected by over a decade of conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva