Washington accelerates the process of lifting sanctions on Syria amid extensive consultations.
CNN quoted an official in the administration of US President Donald Trump as saying that the US Treasury Department is preparing to issue "general licenses" covering vital sectors in the Syrian economy as part of implementing the sanctions relief announced by Trump during his recent visit to the Middle East.
The official explained that the licenses will cover "broad and essential areas for reconstruction" in Syria, indicating that the technical procedures related to sanctions review may take several weeks, but they are moving forward without legal restrictions hindering the US administration's authority to grant exemptions, according to the network.
Regarding the next steps, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that Washington will begin issuing sanctions waivers, saying: "If sufficient progress is made, we may go further and seek to repeal the law itself." However, he warned that the process is still in its early stages, pointing out the difficulty of attracting investments to Syria due to the possibility of re-imposing sanctions in the coming months.
Pompeo also affirmed that the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has shown commitment to comprehensive governance principles, worked on enhancing peace with neighboring countries, cooperated in counterterrorism efforts, and taken tangible steps to dispose of chemical weapons with US support.
In the same context, a source familiar with the discussions on lifting sanctions told CNN that "this decision was not impulsive by the president. The issue has been discussed for months, but Trump went much further than what was being discussed at the executive level."
Regarding his decision, Trump explained, saying: "I thought that lifting the sanctions was the right step," noting that his decision came after talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where he announced it in Riyadh in the direct presence of bin Salman and a virtual appearance by Erdogan.
On the other hand, an Israeli official revealed to CNN that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Trump, during their meeting in Washington last April, not to lift sanctions on Syria, warning of a repeat of the October 7, 2023 scenario when Hamas attacked Israel.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin confirmed in a statement on Thursday, May 15, the implementation of measures related to easing the sanctions imposed on Syria, stating that the US Treasury Department is taking necessary steps to achieve stability in the country and push it towards peace.
