Nov 7, 2025, 6:59 amNov 7, 2025, 6:59 am
The UN Security Council has lifted sanctions against Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab. A corresponding resolution from the USA was passed almost unanimously with 14 votes, China abstained. The two politicians were previously on the Council’s international sanctions list because of previous connections to the terrorist militia Al-Qaeda.
Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa.Image: keystone
The US delegation viewed the vote as a signal for a new political beginning in Syria a year after the overthrow of former ruler Bashar al-Assad. The aim of the measure is to give the country better chances of security, stability and an inclusive political future.
Representatives from Britain, Russia, France and Pakistan spoke of an important step towards Syria’s economic recovery and supporting the ongoing political transition. Syria praised the lifting of sanctions as a sign of “growing confidence” in the new leadership and an opportunity to reintegrate the country internationally. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani thanked the USA and “friendly nations” on Platform X for their support.
Beijing wants more guarantees
China, on the other hand, criticized that the USA had not sufficiently taken the concerns of other countries into account. Beijing called for stricter guarantees in the fight against terrorist groups and foreign fighters coming from Syria. The vote was forced despite “major differences,” said China’s UN ambassador.
With the vote, the Security Council paved the way for further diplomatic approaches to Damascus. Al-Sharaa is expected to visit the White House on Monday – the first by a Syrian president in Washington since the country’s independence in 1946. (dab/sda/dpa)