Sat Dec 06 16:59:20 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

On December 6, 2025, Canada removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and delisted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist entity. This decision follows similar moves by allies like the UK and the US, and acknowledges efforts by the new Syrian transitional government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly associated with HTS), to stabilize the country and present a more moderate image. Canada maintains sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals linked to the former Assad regime.

News Article:

Canada Removes Syria from Terror List, Delists HTS

Toronto, Canada – December 6, 2025 – In a significant shift in policy, Canada today announced the removal of Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and revoked the terrorist designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The move comes as the new Syrian transitional government, which assumed power following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad last December, attempts to establish stability and distance itself from the country’s violent past.

“These decisions were not taken lightly,” stated the Canadian foreign ministry in a press release. “The steps are in line with recent decisions taken by our allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and follow the efforts by the Syrian transitional government to advance Syria’s stability.”

Syria was initially placed on Canada’s list of state sponsors of terrorism in 2012 during the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests. HTS, previously associated with Al-Qaeda, has been widely sanctioned. However, several Western nations have delisted the group to facilitate engagement with the new Syrian leadership, headed by former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa.

While acknowledging the new government’s efforts, Canada is maintaining sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former officials from the fallen Assad regime and members of the Assad family. This suggests a continued cautious approach to the evolving situation in Syria.

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