The United States, the United Kingdom and Europe lifted punitive measures covering around $15 billion in restricted assets and trade measures in May.
Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar, have supported a renewed commitment, offering to finance public salaries and energy infrastructure, and supporting Syria’s obligations to international financial institutions.
Syrian children welcome arrival of UN humanitarian mission (February 2025)
Return Syria to the fold
However, efforts to bring Syria back into the fold were complicated by the fact that the group that led the offensive that ousted Assad from power – Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – had been banned as a terrorist organization by the United Nations since 2014.
The leader of HTS under his nom de guerre Mohammed Al-Jolani was among those sanctioned, subject to an asset freeze and a travel ban, but he now serves as the civilian leader of the Syrian government under his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Thursday’s decision by the Security Council followed unilateral measures by several member states. In July, the United States revoked HTS’s designation as a foreign terrorist group, followed by the United Kingdom in October.
The Syrian president met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin the same month and will reportedly meet US President Donald Trump in Washington next week.
The U.S.-sponsored resolution welcomes the interim government’s commitments to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to the country, fight terrorism (including ISIL and Al-Qaida), and protect human rights. Fourteen Council members voted in favor and China abstained.
Ambassador Michael G. Waltz of the United States addresses the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
“A strong political signal”
US Ambassador Mike Waltz described the resolution as a “strong political signal” recognizing that Syria is in a new era.
The government, he said, “is working hard to fulfill its commitments in fighting terrorism and narcotics, eliminating any remaining chemical weapons, and promoting regional security and stability, as well as an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process.”
China abstains
China’s representative, Ambassador Fu Cong, explained his country’s abstention, stating that while the resolution reaffirms the Council’s “counterterrorism requirements,” the United States “did not pay full attention to the views of all members and forced the Council to take action even when there were huge differences among Council members in an attempt to serve its own political agenda.”
“We welcome the delisting,” said James Kariuki, Chargé d’Affaires of the United Kingdom, citing the progress made by the Syrian government to date, including in advancing the political transition and taking positive steps on countering terrorism and chemical weapons.
“We hope that this resolution will further encourage deeper engagement with the international community,” he added, “and support the Syrian people in their efforts for reconstruction and economic development.”
Putting Syria further on the road to recovery: Russia
Vassily Nebenzia, the Permanent Representative of Russia, agreed on the need to facilitate Syria’s economic recovery and development during the transition period and said the resolution reflects the interests and aspirations of the Syrian people. Mr. Nebenzia referred to the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights and continued terrorist threats as factors hindering long-term stability in the country.
The terrorist risk was also noted by Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont of France, who said that “the fight against Da’esh (ISIL) in the Middle East is not over and the risks of a resurgence should not be underestimated.”
The adoption, he continued, is “an important step on the path towards the reconstruction of a sovereign, united and reconciled Syria, living in peace and free from the terrorist scourge.”
A ‘badge of honor’
Syria’s delegate, Ambassador Ibrahim Abdulmalik Olabi, welcomed the Council’s strong support and commitment to respect his country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We consider (this resolution) a sign of growing confidence in the new Syria, its people and its leadership,” he said, describing it as a “badge of honor.”
Syria is turning the page on war and suffering, he stressed, building a modern State based on the rule of law. “Damascus continues to extend its hand to all countries in the world,” said the Permanent Representative, adding that the Government will strive to be a meeting point between East and West.