Syrian President Ahmad al-Chareh praised the decision by his US counterpart, Donald Trump, to lift US economic sanctions, which have been a heavy burden on his country.
In a live televised speech, al-Chareh called the announcement, made by President Trump on Tuesday, a “historic and courageous decision” that eases the suffering of the Syrian people, contributes to the nation’s revival, and lays the groundwork for regional stability.
President Trump’s unexpected announcement on Tuesday that he would “halt sanctions” aims to give “a chance for greatness” to a country that has been under international sanctions since 1979. The sanctions were intensified following the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests by former President Bashar al-Assad in 2011.
At a meeting with Trump in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Syrian president expressed gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who organised the meeting, and to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who joined virtually, for their roles in this decision.
He also thanked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan for their support.
“Syrians, the road ahead is long. Today marks the beginning of true work, with which modern Syria will be reborn, built together on the path of progress,” Chareh stated, noting that about 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, according to the United Nations.
He declared that “from today, Syria will no longer be an arena for conflicts of influence nor a platform for foreign ambitions,” and stressed that he would "not allow its division.”
The war in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in over 500,000 deaths, displaced millions, and splintered the country into zones of influence.
“The Syria we envision is for all Syrians, of all faiths and origins,” the Syrian leader continued – two months after massacres on the Syrian coast left more than 1,700 dead, mostly minority Alawites – blaming foreign interference for the divisions.
The Syrian diplomatic corps welcomed this “decisive turning point” on Tuesday, especially as the European Union, the UK, and Canada have already eased their own sanctions regimes.
Mr Chareh also mentioned his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who warmly received him at the Élysée on 7 May, expressing early willingness to lift sanctions against Syria.
Most US sanctions were imposed after the conflict began in 2011. They targeted Bashar al-Assad, ousted in December by an Islamist coalition led by Mr Chareh, as well as several Assad family members and political and economic officials.
