US President Donald Trump has cancelled economic sanctions against Syria. This is stated in his decree, which provides for the lifting of a multi-year economic blockade.
According to the US Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brad Smith, this decision should “end the country’s isolation from the international financial system, create conditions for global trade and stimulate investment from neighbouring countries and the US”.
Also lifted is a state of emergency imposed by decree of former President George W. Bush following Syria’s occupation of Lebanon and its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and missile programmes.
The decision was the result of agreements reached during a meeting between Donald Trump and Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in May.
US authorities believe that the move could be a chance to stabilise the situation in Syria.