The United States on Friday formally removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist, just days before the former jihadist is scheduled to make a landmark visit to Washington.
The State Department announced the decision, which had been widely anticipated, following Sharaa’s ongoing cooperation with the US and a UN Security Council vote led by Washington to lift the sanctions placed on him.
State Department spokesman, Tommy Pigott, said the move recognises significant reforms and shifts under Syria’s new leadership after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s decades-long rule.
Pigott said, “These actions are being taken in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership after the departure of Bashar al-Assad and more than 50 years of repression under the Assad regime.”
He added that Sharaa’s government had met a series of US conditions, including efforts to account for missing American citizens and eliminating remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously associated with Al-Qaeda, had long been designated by the US as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” with a bounty once placed on his head.
His sudden rise to power followed a rapid military offensive nearly a year ago, backed by Turkey and key Gulf nations, which dismantled what remained of Assad’s regime.
Sharaa is expected at the White House on Monday for high-level talks, as President Donald Trump pledges support for Syria’s political and economic rebuilding under its new leadership.
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