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Denying Rumors of Lifting Sanctions... Washington Confirms Continuation of Sanctions on Syria
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Official American positions prove the falsehood of circulating talks about the imminent lifting of economic sanctions while monitoring of the Syrian interim authorities' actions continues
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that President Donald Trump's administration is monitoring the behaviors of the new Syrian leaders while Washington works on determining its future policy, categorically denying rumors about the imminent lifting of sanctions on Damascus.
She clarified in a daily press briefing that it is completely unlikely that sanctions on Syria will be eased urgently or soon, refuting discussions circulating among the Syrian opposition on this matter.
Bruce stated: "We are monitoring the actions of the interim Syrian authorities in general, on a number of issues, as we determine and think about future U.S. policy toward Syria."
She continued: "We also continue to call for the formation of an inclusive government under civilian leadership that can ensure the effectiveness, responsiveness, and representativeness of national institutions," reaffirming Washington's steadfast position.
When specifically asked about the possibility of the United States considering easing sanctions on Syria, Bruce clearly denied this, saying: "The mechanism has not changed and there are no plans to change it at this stage," which cuts off all leaks and rumors related to lifting sanctions.
The spokesperson noted that there is no "comprehensive ban," pointing to limited exceptions, as the previous Biden administration issued in January a sanctions exemption on transactions with Syrian government institutions for only six months, for specific humanitarian purposes.
Sanctions pose a fundamental obstacle for the interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, while UN statistics indicate that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line.
Washington repeated its calls for the necessity of forming a new Syrian government inclusive of all segments, and Bruce stated: "Local ownership and broad community support are essential for the stability of Syria and the region, as demonstrated by the recent bloody violence on the coast. Long-term stability and prosperity for the Syrian people require a government that protects all Syrians equally."
A wave of violence erupted earlier this month following the announcement by security agencies affiliated with the transitional government that they were subjected to attacks by pro-Assad militants in the coastal area.
These attacks resulted in killings targeting representatives of the Alawite community, in what is considered the worst bloody toll since Assad was overthrown in December after 14 years of conflict, and President al-Sharaa pledged to "punish those responsible, including his allies if necessary."
The U.S. State Department spokesperson renewed her assurances that Washington does not currently intend to change the sanctions system imposed on Syria, which refutes all rumors circulating on this subject.
