US pauses select restrictions on Syria, offering hope on Western sanctions

Washington opens the way for transactions needed for humanitarian purposes, in a move seen as an ‘important step’ towards easing the West’s sanctions regime on the country.

The United States has announced it is easing select restrictions on Syria’s transitional government.

The US Treasury late on Monday issued a general licence, lasting six months, that authorises certain transactions with the Syrian government, including some energy sales and incidental transactions.

The move is designed to allow the entry of humanitarian aid following the ouster of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad last month, the US said. It suggests some progress in the efforts of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main group that overthrew al-Assad now leading Syria’s transition, to strengthen international relations.

The action does not remove any sanctions but will ensure they “do not impede activities to meet basic human needs, including the provision of public services or humanitarian assistance,” the US Treasury said.

Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said the end of al-Assad’s “brutal and repressive rule, backed by Russia and Iran” provided a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild.