🔗 Share this article United Nations Ends Sanctions on President of Syria Before Presidential Visit United Nations Security Council members voted in favour to a US resolution ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his White House visit next week. He became transitional president subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that removed Bashar al-Assad in winter 2024, concluding 13 years of civil war. America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" since Assad was deposed. He had been subject to United Nations restrictions as the leader of the Muslim faction the HTS movement, previously associated with al-Qaeda. America delisted HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July. Further Restrictions Lifted Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister the interior minister. The nation's top diplomat expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "The nation shows its gratitude to the United States and allied countries for assisting the country and its population." Imminent Washington Talks President Sharaa's presidential meeting on Monday comes after American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" in establishing peace to the previously divided state. After the meeting, Trump remarked the Syrian leader had "a legitimate chance to unify the country". Both presidents held discussions on their first occasion this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through the Middle East. Subsequent to that discussion, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background". His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch within Syria until he severed ties in 2016. Prior United States Journey This week's diplomatic engagement is not his initial visit to the United States during this period. In September, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to present to the global assembly at UN headquarters in almost 60 years. In his speech, he stated the country had been "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza. The Middle Eastern president speaks before global body on historic occasion following approximately sixty years The high-level talks with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes