US urges UN to ease sanctions on Syria, says it could help stability - Salam
Assalamu alaykum - The US on Wednesday urged the UN Security Council to relax some sanctions on Syria, saying it could be an important step toward stabilizing the country and supporting a more inclusive political transition. The US permanent representative to the UN, Mike Walz, told council members the Syrian government should take advantage of what he called a “historic opportunity” after Washington moved to lift broader sanctions on Syria. Targeted sanctions remain in place against individuals linked to human rights abuses, narcotics trafficking, and other designated groups, and some export controls are still being reviewed. Walz asked the council to back efforts to ease UN restrictions on certain Syrian leaders, saying “further relief is critical to giving Syria a chance.” He thanked states that have engaged constructively and acknowledged the many challenges ahead as Syria seeks to move away from decades of authoritarian rule. He stressed that political inclusion and accountability must be part of real progress: “All Syrians should have a meaningful stake in the country’s governance. There can be no progress without this assurance.” Najat Rochdi, the UN deputy special envoy for Syria, also called for lifting economic sanctions alongside domestic reforms as essential for the transition’s success. Speaking from Damascus, she welcomed steps to repeal the Caesar Act and warned that the transition risks falling short of public expectations, especially for women and minority communities. Only six women won seats in the new transitional People’s Assembly out of 119 contested seats, and women were unevenly represented across the process. Rochdi urged future elections to better protect women’s rights and representation. The transitional process, started after a peace agreement earlier this year, aims to lead to free and fair national elections, but concerns remain about rushed timelines, low public engagement, and weak inclusion of minorities. Walz said the US supports a Syrian-led reconciliation process, including efforts in Sweida where recent violence led to a joint road map with Jordan. He also welcomed Syria’s cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and talks facilitated by the US to ease regional tensions. Syria’s permanent representative, Ibrahim Olabi, defended his government’s reforms and international engagement, calling recent developments “unprecedented” and asking for international support for sustainable peace and recovery. He listed what he described as achievements since last December’s liberation, citing political reforms, anti-drug efforts, and cooperation with international bodies. Olabi hailed recent parliamentary elections as the start of a new era and highlighted citizen participation, while noting cooperation with international accountability mechanisms in cases like Suwayda. He also mentioned grassroots fundraising for recovery and the government’s anti-narcotics efforts, and reiterated cooperation against extremist groups. Oman, speaking for the Arab Group, expressed full solidarity with the Syrian government and people, welcomed national efforts to restore security and institutions, condemned repeated strikes on Syrian territory, and called for lifting sanctions as a humanitarian and economic necessity. The group urged that the Syrian-led political process is the path to lasting peace, and asked for depoliticized humanitarian aid plus more support for host countries helping refugees. The humanitarian situation remains dire: the UN’s humanitarian spokesperson said over 70 percent of Syrians need assistance, with drought, displacement, and explosive remnants of war worsening hardship. The UN assists an average of 3.4 million Syrians monthly, but funding is shrinking - the humanitarian response plan is only 19 percent funded, and critical programs face cuts. “We can do more to help the people of Syria if three conditions are met: de-escalation, more funding, and tangible investments in reconstruction,” the humanitarian representative told the council. Walz ended on an optimistic note, pointing to improving regional ties and growing interest in reconstruction: “Syria has before it a historic opportunity. The time to act is now.” Wa alaykum as-salam.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/