Russia calls for lifting sanctions on Syria.

The Special Envoy of the Russian President to the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister, "Mikhail Bogdanov," as reported by the Russian news agency "TASS" on Tuesday, February 11, called for lifting all restrictions on Syria.

Bogdanov stated that "in the current circumstances, it is necessary to abandon the 'sectarian approach' in dealing with the Syrian crisis and enhance international efforts to provide effective assistance to the Syrian people while promoting the country's reconstruction after the crisis."

Bogdanov clarified that "Western sanctions against Syria have lost all meaning after the change of power in the country," even in what he referred to as the "distorted logic" of their initiators.

He added that restrictive measures, referring to sanctions, clearly hinder the achievement of reconstruction and assistance to the Syrians.

He considered the decisions taken by several countries to ease some of the previously imposed restrictions on Syria as a "step in the right direction."

Hours before his statement on sanctions, Bogdanov stated that "Moscow will continue to provide assistance to the Syrians."

He further added that "the events that led to the change of leadership in Syria on December 8, 2024, do not change our fundamental approach," indicating that Russia will continue to support the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the republic.

The Kremlin's office had previously confirmed on February 3 that "Russia will continue dialogue with the new Syrian authorities on various issues, including agreements related to Russian military bases in Syria."

The Syrian Ministry of Defense expressed readiness to allow Russia to maintain its air and naval bases on the Syrian coast, provided that any agreements with Moscow serve the country's interests.