U.N. special envoy for Syria calls for sanctions relief following Assad’s fall

Sun Dec 15 11:34:16 UTC 2024: ## UN Envoy Calls for Swift End to Syrian Sanctions After Assad’s Ouster

**DAMASCUS, Syria (December 15, 2024)** – The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has urged a rapid end to Western sanctions following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. Pedersen made the appeal during a visit to Damascus, where he met with officials from the interim government installed by former opposition forces, including the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group.

Syria has been under heavy sanctions from the US, EU, and others for years due to Assad’s brutal crackdown on protests that escalated into a devastating civil war. The conflict has resulted in nearly half a million deaths and displaced millions. These sanctions, aimed at preventing reconstruction in government-held areas without a political solution, have severely hampered rebuilding efforts.

Pedersen emphasized the need for a swift lifting of sanctions to facilitate the reconstruction of Syria. However, the involvement of HTS, designated a terrorist group by the US, complicates the situation. While the Biden administration is reportedly considering removing HTS from its terrorist list, this remains a significant hurdle.

The interim government, which is set to govern until March, has yet to outline the process for establishing a permanent administration. Pedersen stressed the importance of an inclusive political process led by Syrians themselves, while also calling for justice and accountability for war crimes and increased international humanitarian aid. The envoy’s visit underscores the complex challenges facing Syria in its post-Assad era.