After Assad’s ouster in Syria, U.N. envoy calls for end to sanctions
On Sunday, the United Nations envoy called on the West to quickly end sanctions on Iran. Syria As the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers begin charting a path forward that follows The fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian government has been subject to severe sanctions by the United States, the European Union and other countries for many years. Assad’s brutal response What began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 turned into civil war.
this rebel alliance The country that ousted Assad days ago and broke his iron-fisted rule over the country faces a country battered and deeply isolated by crippling international sanctions that have exacerbated Syria’s previous economic woes. But other challenges also complicate Syria’s reconstruction: The new transitional leadership has yet to lay out a clear vision for how to govern the country, and the main groups behind the offensive are burdened with heavy burdens. Designated as a terrorist by the United States.
U.N. envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen told reporters in Damascus that a swift lifting of sanctions would help get Syria back on track after the turmoil of the past few weeks.
“We hope to see a swift end to sanctions so that we can see real unity built around Syria,” he said.
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Parts of Syria’s largest city remain damaged or destroyed from years of fighting. Reconstruction efforts have been largely hampered by sanctions aimed at preventing the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and property in government-controlled areas in the absence of a political solution.
Peterson traveled to Damascus to meet with officials from the new interim government formed by the former opposition forces that overthrew Assad, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Officials in Washington say the Biden administration is considering stripping the group of its terrorist designation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday Officials have been contacted directly with the group.
Blinken, who attended an emergency meeting in Jordan over the weekend, said he had gained support from 12 foreign ministers from the Arab League, Turkey and senior European Union and United Nations officials on how the Assad family should govern Syria decades later. support. rule.
They agreed that the new government should respect the rights of minorities and women, prevent terrorist groups from taking power, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and secure and destroy remaining chemical weapons from the Assad era. Blinken pledged that the United States would recognize and support a new administration consistent with these principles.
President Biden’s virtual call with G7 leaders showed they discussed “the need for a Syrian-led, Syrian-led political transition process” among other issues in the Middle East.
With time running out for the Biden administration, it’s unclear what approach President-elect Donald Trump will take on Syria.
Syria’s interim government is expected to be in power until March, but the process for a new permanent government to replace it has not yet been clarified.
“We need to start a political process that is inclusive of all Syrians,” Pedersen said. “This process clearly needs to be led by Syrians themselves.”
He called for “justice and accountability for crimes committed during the war” and called on the international community to step up humanitarian aid.
Despite a whirlwind rebel offensive over the past few weeks, schools in Damascus reopened on Sunday for the first time since rebels marched through the capital, signaling Syrians’ desire for a return to normalcy.
At Nahla Zaidan School in the capital’s Meza neighborhood, teachers hoisted the three-star revolutionary flag, replacing the previous government’s two-star Syrian flag.
“Syria is trying to build the country with these kids who are coming here. Although I think some of them are scared, they are coming to build Syria and enjoy the victory of this country,” said school director Mesoun Ali .
“God willing, there will be more development, more security and more building in this lovely country.”
