US President Donald Trump made an unexpected statement during his visit to the Persian Gulf countries: the United States will cancel long-standing sanctions against Syria, introduced back in 2004. About this informsReuters agency.
The lifting of the restrictions would be a significant boost to Syria, which has endured more than a decade of civil war. During his speech at an investment forum in Riyadh, Trump said that the decision was made at the request of the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Oh, how much I do for the Crown Prince”,” Trump joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
He also noted that sanctions were relevant in the past, but “now it’s time to move on.” This decision constitutes a fundamental change in the US approach to Syria. The country was officially recognized as a sponsor of terrorism back in 1979, sanctions began to be introduced in 2004, and after the beginning of the conflict in 2011, restrictions were significantly strengthened.
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani emphasized that the lifting of sanctions will be a “new beginning” for the reconstruction of the country. A representative of the White House said that Trump is planning a short meeting with President Shara in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
