US eyes removal of sanctions on Syrian leader ahead of talks

The United States has submitted a draft UN Security Council resolution to remove sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, ahead of his visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump, as reported by Arab Weekly plus agencies on November 5th.

The resolution would also remove sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab, however it is not clear when a vote will be held. To pass, the resolution requires nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the US, Russia, China, France, or the UK.

Ahmed al-Sharaa took power in Syria, following an offensive from the group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously linked to Al Qaeda, which ousted the former president Bashar al Assad. UN sanctions monitors reported no “active ties” remain between the group and Al Qaeda. 

The resolution comes as Sharaa attempts to reintegrate Syria in the international community with the purpose of ensuring stability and security in the nation. Washington marked a major step in efforts through removing U.S. sanctions on Syria, which prompted the EU to begin similar discussions, and the UK to reestablish diplomatic ties with the Middle Eastern country.

The White House stated Sharaa has made good progress towards creating peace, with the spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stating the November 10th meeting is as part of Trump’s pursuit of “diplomacy” and “peace”. The scheduled meeting marks the first ever White House visit from a Syrian leader, and Sharaa’s second trip to the US following his speech at the UN General Assembly. 

US envoy Tom Barrack claimed Sharaa was heading to the U.S., “hopefully” to ink a deal to join the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS), framing the Sharaa government as a partner in regional stability. 

Since taking power, Syria’s new leader has sought to distance himself from his extremist past and present a more moderate image to both Syrians and the international community.

Arab Weekly plus agencies, Maghrebi.org