ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syria’s foreign minister on Thursday thanked the British government for amending its sanctions on Damascus, calling it a step toward recovery after more than a decade of conflict.
“We thank Britain for reevaluating the sanctions imposed during the Assad era and lifting restrictions on vital sectors, a pivotal step toward rebuilding infrastructure and enhancing security,” Asaad al-Shaibani wrote on X.
“After 14 years of suffering, Syrians deserve a dignified life. We will continue our steadfast commitment to serving our people and building our homeland,” he added.
The United Kingdom on Thursday lifted sanctions previously imposed on several Syrian ministries, intelligence agencies, and state-affiliated media outlets during the rule of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
According to an official notice from the UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, entities removed from the UK Consolidated List include the Syrian Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, General Intelligence Directorate, Air Force Intelligence Agency, Political Security Directorate, National Security Bureau, Military Intelligence Directorate, and the Army Supply Bureau.
Sanctions were also lifted from media outlets such as the General Organization of Radio and TV, al-Watan, Cham Press TV, and Sama TV.
“The UK is supporting a stable future for the people of Syria, while holding Assad’s regime accountable for their atrocities. We have revoked sanctions against 12 Syrian entities and are amending Syria sanctions regulations as a part of these efforts,” Hamish Falconer, Minister for the Middle East, wrote on X on Thursday.
The diplomatic shift comes after the swift overthrow of the Assad regime by a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in early December. In January, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was appointed Syria’s interim president.
The new Syrian administration has called on Western governments to lift sanctions, arguing they obstruct aid delivery and hinder post-war reconstruction.
