Syrian envoy urges US to lift all sanctions targeting 'previous regime and its criminal tools'

HAMILTON, Canada

Syria's UN Ambassador Qusay Al-Dahhak on Wednesday called for the full removal of sanctions imposed on Syria, emphasizing that these measures primarily targeted the previous regime.

"I deliver the statement based on the instructions of the government of Syria, Mr. President," Al-Dahhak said at a UN Security Council session on Syria, adding: "One month has passed since the dawn of freedom has broken in Syria."

He noted that Syria is now entering a new era, with a commitment to building a state based on freedom, equality, and the rule of law.

"Syrians removed the chains of oppression and reclaimed the freedom they were deprived of for decades," he said, referring to the recent collapse of Bashar Assad regime, which he described as a "revolution of freedom and dignity."

Al-Dahhak particularly targeted the US, and said: "We call upon the United States and other countries to fully lift these measures imposed on the Syrian people because they originally targeted the previous regime and its criminal tools."

He argued that the sanctions are hindering Syria's recovery efforts and exacerbating the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

"Syria believes in partnership with the United Nations and its member states. It is committed to promoting cooperation with it to improve the living and humanitarian conditions of Syrians, to provide them with basic services to achieve their aspirations of a present and a future worthy of Syria's civilization, the blood of its martyrs and the sacrifices of its people," he said.

The Syrian envoy further outlined the country’s efforts to rebuild, including the smooth transition of state institutions to the new government.

"Syria calls upon the members of the United Nations to respect the will of the Syrian people and its national choices, to support state institutions and their efforts to restore security and stability and prosperity in the society. For this reason, external actors should not interfere. They should not interfere with the political process," Al-Dahhak said, stressing that foreign interference undermines the interests of the Syrian people.

He also reiterated Syria's commitment to peace, and stated that the country would not engage in any conflict or war.

- Israel must end military presence in Syrian territory

Demanding Israel to end its military presence in Syrian territory, Al-Dahhak said: "Syria stresses the need to ensure that Israeli occupation entity does not take advantage of the current circumstances to violate Syria's sovereignty in an attempt to impose a new reality through their military incursions."

On Monday, the US Department of the Treasury announced a six-month easing of sanctions on Syria to facilitate the continuation of essential services in the country.

This US decision follows years of sanctions imposed in response to the ousted Syrian regime's actions, which the opposition and international community cite as the primary reason for the original sanctions.

Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party's decades-long regime.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

A new administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa has now taken control of the country.