🔗 Share this article UN Removes Penalties on Syrian President Ahead of Presidential Visit United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to an American proposal to lift sanctions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his presidential meeting the following week. He became provisional head of state following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that drove out Bashar al-Assad in the final month of 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of civil war. Washington's ambassador Mike Waltz at the United Nations said the UN had sent "an emphatic political statement" that acknowledged Syria entered "a different period" after Assad's removal. He had been subject to UN sanctions as the leader of the Islamist group HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda. The US removed the organization from the catalog of international terrorist organizations this past July. Further Restrictions Lifted Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab. The nation's top diplomat welcomed the removal of the penalties, posting on social media: "The nation shows its gratitude toward America and supportive states for their support the Syrian nation and citizens." Upcoming White House Meeting President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday follows President Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the war-torn country. Subsequent to their talks, the US president stated Sharaa had "a real shot for national reconciliation". Both presidents held discussions initially during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through the Middle East. Subsequent to that discussion, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background". His Islamist group HTS was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria until he severed ties during 2016. Prior United States Journey This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent his initial visit to the US during this period. During September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to speak before the United Nations gathering in Manhattan for nearly six decades. Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world" while showing support with the people of Gaza. President Sharaa presents to international community initially after nearly six decades The high-level talks with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes