Latest news with #sanctionsRelief
Times of Oman
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
US revokes foreign terrorist designation of Syria's HTS
Washington DC: The US has revoked the Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) designation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Syria-based organisation which had ties with al-Qaeda and was also a front of al-Nusrah. In a statement issued by the US Department of State on Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision was made in alignment with US President Donald Trump's promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December last year. According to the statement, the revocation of the FTO comes into effect from today, July 8. The decision came in recognition of the dissolution of HTS and the new Syrian government's efforts to combat terrorism. "In line with President Trump's May 13 promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, I am announcing my intent to revoke the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This revocation will be effective tomorrow, July 8," the statement read. In late January, HTS was disbanded, and its fighters were integrated into the formal Syrian military and security services, as reported by Al Jazeera. The action builds on the momentum of the June 30 Executive Order 'Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions' by the US, which aimed to foster a stable, unified, and peaceful Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa's leadership. "Tomorrow's action follows the announced dissolution of HTS and the Syrian government's commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. This action also builds on the momentum of the June 30 Executive Order 'Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions' and recognises the positive actions taken by the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This FTO revocation is an important step in fulfilling President Trump's vision of a stable, unified, and peaceful Syria," the statement added. As per Al Jazeera, the HTS was labelled a "terrorist" organisation by the US back in 2018 because of its previous connections to al-Qaeda. The group originated from the al-Nusra Front, which had been al-Qaeda's official affiliate in Syria but officially broke away in 2016 when HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa announced its separation. Al-Sharaa, who commanded the opposition forces that swiftly ousted al-Assad in a rapid offensive last December, has since assumed the presidency of Syria, as reported by Al Jazeera. However, HTS is still subject to United Nations Security Council sanctions, originally imposed in 2014 due to its past links to al-Qaeda. Al-Sharaa is also personally sanctioned by the UNSC, Al Jazeera reported. Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducted a special operation in southern Syria, apprehending a cell operated by the Iranian 'Quds' Force in the Tel Kudna area. "Special Operation in Southern Syria": A cell operated by the Iranian 'Quds' Force was apprehended in the Tel Kudna area of southern Syria. For the second time in the past week, IDF troops completed a targeted overnight operation and apprehended several operatives who posed a threat in the area. IDF troops are continuing to operate and prevent the entrenchment of any terrorist entity in Syria, with the aim of protecting Israeli civilians," the IDF stated in a post on X. The operation was part of Israel's ongoing efforts to counter Iranian influence in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
U.S.-Syria Business Council Launches in Washington, D.C.
Council Convenes First-Ever High-Level Syria Banking Roundtable WASHINGTON, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark step toward rebuilding bilateral commercial and financial ties between the United States and Syria, the U.S.–Syria Business Council (USSBC) has officially launched operations as an independent, nonprofit trade association based in Washington, D.C. The Council's formation comes at a pivotal moment following a high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Syrian interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, during which the White House announced the beginning of sanctions relief and signaled a renewed commitment to constructive engagement. On the occasion of the Council's historic launch, His Excellency Dr. Nedal Alchaar, Minister of Economy and Industry, stated: 'At a time when we are witnessing remarkable global transformations, we must appreciate and respect the noble stance of the United States of America toward Syria. Syria, which has endured so much due to empty positions and misleading slogans, is now ready to rise from the rubble and return once again as an active partner in building a promising and dignified civilization, just as it has been for thousands of years.' In the days following its establishment, the USSBC convened a landmark banking roundtable, gathering senior representatives from over 15 major U.S. and international financial institutions, five of Syria's leading private banks, the Central Bank of Syria, and officials from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations. The session served as a rare and timely forum to begin rebuilding institutional trust and explore pathways for financial reconnection. 'This roundtable marked an important and necessary first step in reopening dialogue between both sides,' said Sameer Saboungi, Attorney, Policy Expert, and Founding Member of the USSBC. 'It lays the groundwork for restoring confidence in Syria's banking sector, re-establishing correspondent ties, and enabling the responsible flow of capital.' The USSBC expresses its sincere appreciation to the teams at Foley Hoag LLP and Clifford Chance LLP, as well as Stephen Fallon of DBM Consulting, for their support in organizing the roundtable. With a mission to accelerate trade, facilitate scientific and professional exchange, and support cross-border investment, the Council will focus on sectors vital to Syria's reconstruction and U.S. global growth. Planned activities include trade missions, investment forums, export-import advisory, and tailored market guidance for companies seeking to operate across either economy. The Council is led by a Board of Directors and Advisory Board composed of influential leaders in law, finance, technology, and business. Founding members, thus far, include: 'The USSBC is proud to support U.S. companies investing in Syria's recovery and growth. As the first American firm to enter the Syrian telecom sector by launching 4G and 5G services in Northern Syria through FSN Telecom, we understand such ventures exemplify the kind of forward-looking engagement the Council aims to foster,' said Jay Salkini, Founder and CEO of Tecore, and Founding Member of the USSBC. 'We hope this milestone sets the stage for deeper, long-term economic ties between Syria and the United States—grounded in mutual prosperity and opportunity for years to come.' Issam Ghreiwati, President of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce and Founding Member of the USSBC, emphasized that 'the Council represents a promising economic platform to support Syria's rebuilding phase and will contribute to establishing a solid economic and trade partnership between Damascus and Washington'. The USSBC invites businesses, investors, and institutions to collaborate in shaping this new chapter of U.S.–Syria economic cooperation. As a trusted platform for knowledge exchange, strategic insight, and sector-specific collaboration, the Council is committed to empowering stakeholders in both countries to unlock long-term economic potential. To learn more or explore opportunities for involvement, please contact: [email protected] About the U.S.–Syria Business Council The U.S.–Syria Business Council (USSBC) is an independent, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to fostering bilateral trade, enhancing scientific and professional exchange, and guiding investment between the United States and Syria. Through strategic advisory, targeted initiatives, and cross-border collaboration, the USSBC serves as a trusted platform for empowering U.S. and Syrian businesses to thrive in both markets. Media Inquiries: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S.-Syria Business Council
Bloomberg
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
US Moves to Ease Sanctions on Syria After Trump Met New Leader
The US has taken a major step toward easing severe sanctions on Syria imposed during the Assad dictatorship, which was overthrown by rebels last December after a nearly 14-year civil war. The 'immediate sanctions relief' was announced by the Treasury Department on Friday, more than a week after President Donald Trump met the nation's new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia.
Fox News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Syria granted sanctions waiver by Trump administration to encourage rebuilding
The Trump administration on Friday announced sanctions relief for Syria as part of a series of steps to end decades of penalties and to stabilize the country. The Treasury Department said it will grant Syria a 180-day waiver, known as GL 25, to ease financial restrictions that target the country's former rulers in an effort to give its new leaders a chance to rebuild a nation still scarred by more than a decade of civil war. It will facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. "As President Trump promised, the Treasury Department and the State Department are implementing authorizations to encourage new investment into Syria," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Syria must also continue to work towards becoming a stable country that is at peace, and today's actions will hopefully put the country on a path to a bright, prosperous, and stable future." The waiver will allow Syria to engage in Syrian reconstruction and other economic activity. The sanctions relief has been extended on the condition that Syrian leaders will not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations and will ensure the security of its religious and ethnic minorities, the Treasury Department said. "Today's actions represent the first step in delivering on the President's vision of a new relationship between Syria and the United States," Rubio said in a statement. "President Trump is providing the Syrian government with the chance to promote peace and stability, both within Syria and in Syria's relations with its neighbors. The President has made clear his expectation that relief will be followed by prompt action by the Syrian government on important policy priorities." The move came after Tom Barrack, US Ambassador to Turkey and former advisor to President Donald Trump, announced on Friday that he would be filling the role of U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, while highlighting recent sanctions relief. "The cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity of our primary objective — the enduring defeat of ISIS — and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future," he wrote Friday on X. "In this way, we, together with regional partners including Turkiye and the Gulf, are enabling the Syrian government to restore peace, security, and the hope of prosperity. In the words of the President, we will work together, and we will succeed together." Syria's former autocratic leader, Bashar al-Assad, ruled the country for decades after succeeding his father. Assad's government, long sustained by Russia and Iran, presided over 13 years of civil war, and collapsed last year during a major offensive by rebel fighters. Assad and his family left Syria for Moscow to seek asylum. The waiver announced on Friday prohibits the new Syrian government from engaging in transactions that benefit Russia, Iran, North Korea or key supporters of the former Assad regime.
Al Jazeera
23-05-2025
- Business
- Al Jazeera
US lifts first sanctions on Syria following Trump's surprise announcement
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has taken its first concrete action to deliver sanctions relief for Syria, following a surprise policy pivot earlier this month. On Friday, the US Department of the Treasury announced sweeping relief to an array of individuals and entities, which it said will 'enable new investment and private sector activity consistent with [Trump's] America First strategy'. The US State Department, meanwhile, concurrently issued a waiver to a 2019 law, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, that would 'enable our foreign partners, allies, and the region to further unlock Syria's potential'. Trump surprised the international community when, on May 13, he pledged to remove sanctions placed on Syria during the leadership of its now-ousted leader, President Bashar al-Assad. Friday's announcements mark an initial step towards that goal, as Syria recovers from abuses under al-Assad's government and 13 years of civil war. 'As President Trump promised, the Treasury Department and the State Department are implementing authorizations to encourage new investment into Syria,' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. 'Syria must also continue to work towards becoming a stable country that is at peace, and today's actions will hopefully put the country on a path to a bright, prosperous, and stable future'.Trump first unveiled his plans for sanctions relief during a tour of the Middle East in mid-May. He said lifting US sanctions would give Syria 'a chance at greatness', since the restrictions left the war-torn country economically isolated. 'It's their time to shine. We're taking them all off,' he said from Riyadh. Shortly after, Trump met and shook hands with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who had only recently been removed from the US's 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' list. Calls for sanctions relief had grown following the fall of al-Assad's government last December. As head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, al-Sharaa spearheaded the offensive that led to al-Assad fleeing the country, bringing the civil war to an end. The war, which first broke out in 2011, had left Syria's economy in tatters. As many as 656,493 people were killed during the conflict, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and a 2020 report from the United Nations estimated that the country suffered total economic losses of about $442.2bn in the first eight years of the war alone. Sanctions have further dampened Syria's economic outlook, making it difficult for countries with ties to the US to conduct business there. Since taking power in December, Syria's interim government has argued the ongoing sanctions, largely imposed during al-Assad's rule, would slow development and cause further instability. Trump's announcement earlier this month buoyed hope for many Syrians of a new path forward, although the extent of the relief had remained unclear. Earlier this week, the European Union also announced it had lifted sanctions against Syria. Friday's sanctions relief in the US applies to the 'the Government of Syria … as in existence on or after May 13, 2025', according to the Treasury Department. The reprieve also applies to several previously sanctioned transportation, banking, tourism and fossil fuel entities. Transactions related to Russia, Iran and North Korea remain under US sanctions. One of the biggest hurdles, however, is the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a law that was passed in 2019, during Trump's first term. It included broad sanctions that targeted al-Assad's government and its allies and supporters for atrocities committed against civilians. The act was named after a former Syrian military photographer and whistleblower who smuggled out of the country a cache of images showing torture and mass killing at detention centres run by al-Assad's security forces. But since the law was passed by Congress, it will likely take an act of Congress to completely lift its restrictions. The president, however, can issue temporary waivers to the law, which is what the Trump administration did on Friday. In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the waiver will last for 180 days, in order to 'increase investments and cash flows that will facilitate basic services and reconstruction in Syria'. 'We support the Syrian people's efforts to build a more hopeful future,' Rubio said.
