UN, QATAR, CAIR WELCOME TRUMP’S MOVE TO LIFT SANCTIONS ON SYRIA

WASHINGTON, May 14 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The United Nations (UN), Qatar and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) have welcomed United States (US) President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen said the move aligns with calls from Syrians at home and abroad for faster sanctions relief.

“This is crucial to enabling delivery of essential services, reviving the economy, and unlocking regional support,” he said on X.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described the move as an “important step” toward Syria’s stability and prosperity.

It also thanked Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for their efforts, while reaffirming support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, said the decision was a “welcome step” towards allowing Syrians to rebuild their country.

“We also urge President Trump to pressure Israel to stop bombing Syria and end its illegal occupation,” said CAIR executive director Nihad Awad.

On Tuesday, Trump said during the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh that he would remove “brutal and crippling” sanctions to give Syria “a chance at greatness.”

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Riyadh on the same day, ahead of a meeting with Trump.

Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks the start of a Gulf tour, including stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A transitional government was formed in Syria in January following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia in December.

Sanctions imposed since 2011 have been blamed for obstructing Syria’s post-war recovery.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU