Syria hails its removal from Washington's terror list

DAMASCUS — Syria on Monday welcomed the US decision to remove the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, calling the move an important step toward ending decades of isolation.

In a statement, Syria's foreign affairs authority said the decision "opens a new chapter in Syria's international relations", adding that it would support the country's economic recovery, help create conditions for reconstruction and strengthen stability and security in Syria.

On Monday, US special presidential envoy for Syria and Iraq, Thomas Barrack, said that Washington had formally revoked the designation.

The US listed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979 and has maintained the designation for decades, citing then Syrian government's ties with Lebanon's Hezbollah, Palestinian factions and Iran.

On Tuesday, Syria's interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa hailed the US decision to remove the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

"Today, Syria shakes off a dark stain and tears away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development, reconstruction and rebuilding," Sharaa said in a speech.

Syrian authorities are trying to attract investment to support the country and rebuild its infrastructure, heavily damaged by more than a decade of civil war.

The US Treasury Department announced corresponding sanctions relief.

"Today's action will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

The Treasury said the moves were "in line with President (Donald) Trump's promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria".

Also on Tuesday, Turkiye welcomed the US decision, hoping that it would boost efforts to integrate the war-torn country with the world.

"We believe this decision will lend momentum to efforts to strengthen Syria's ties with the international community and to establish lasting security and stability in the country," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"We call upon the international community to unite its efforts toward the goal of a prosperous Syria and to fulfill its responsibilities to put an end to aggressive actions that jeopardize this vision," the ministry said, referring to Israeli attacks on Syria.

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