“More significant work” in Syria needed despite US exemption- UN

The UN special envoy on Syria, Geir Pedersen, told the Security Council on January 8th that the US sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria is gladly received, although “much more significant work … will inevitably be necessary,” Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters reported. 

Known as a “general license,” the US issued a sanctions exemption on January 6th for transactions with governing institutions in Syria for a six-month period, in a bid to aid the flow of humanitarian support and to allow some energy transactions.

Pederson told the council: “I welcome the recent issuance of a new temporary General License by the United States government. But much more significant work in fully addressing sanctions and designations will inevitably be necessary.”

Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters