Lawmakers Seek More Sanctions Relief for Syria
Senate Banking Committee ranking member Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the Trump administration March 20 to consider further easing sanctions on Syria to help the war-torn country rebuild following last year’s fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
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In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the lawmakers said that while the U.S. issued a new license in January authorizing certain government, energy and personal remittance-related transactions with Syria (see 2501060034), additional sanctions relief is needed to promote stability in Syria and discourage the country from turning to Iran and Russia for help.
“Reputable banks in countries that observe our sanctions prohibitions still avoid processing transactions that would support reconstruction because they cannot see a way past sanctions risk,” Warren and Wilson wrote. “Given the serious risks of inaction, we urge you to consider unwinding or replacing outdated measures like the broad services and investment prohibitions and other restrictions that have country-wide impact.”
The lawmakers also recommended that the administration develop a roadmap describing specific steps Syria would need to take for the U.S. to remove other sanctions and export controls. Sanctions on terrorist threats could remain in place, they said.
Asked about the letter, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters March 21 that the administration has no plans to provide additional sanctions relief “at this point” but is monitoring the situation in Syria, including whether the country achieves an “inclusive civilian-led government that can ensure national institutions are effective, responsive, and representative.”