UN Envoy Urges Sanctions Relief After Assad’s Fall

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged for the swift removal of Western sanctions following the removal of President Bashar Assad.

For years, the Syrian government has been subjected to strict sanctions from the United States, European Union, and other nations, due to Assad’s violent crackdown on what initially began as peaceful protests in 2011, eventually escalating into a brutal civil war. The conflict has resulted in nearly half a million deaths and displaced half of Syria’s pre-war population of 23 million. Efforts to rebuild have been heavily hindered by sanctions, which aimed to block reconstruction in government-controlled regions until a political solution could be reached.

During his visit to Damascus, Pedersen expressed hope for an end to the sanctions to allow for the rebuilding of Syria. He met with officials from the interim government formed by the opposition forces, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a central role in ousting Assad.

Although HTS is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S., which may complicate reconstruction efforts, the Biden administration has hinted at the possibility of removing this designation. The interim government, expected to oversee the country until March, has yet to clarify how it plans to transition to a permanent administration.

Pedersen emphasized the need for an inclusive political process led by Syrians themselves. He also stressed the importance of justice and accountability for crimes committed during the conflict, and called on the international community to increase humanitarian aid.