Syrian Trade Minister Discusses Struggles with U.S. Sanctions
In a recent interview with Reuters from his office in Damascus, the new Syrian Minister of Commerce, Maher Khalil al-Hassan, revealed that Damascus is unable to secure deals for importing fuel, wheat, or other primary goods due to stringent U.S. sanctions. Despite the willingness of many countries to supply these necessities, the sanctions pose a significant barrier.
Al-Hassan stated that the new administration has managed to gather sufficient wheat and fuel to last for a few months. However, he warned of an impending “disaster” if these sanctions aren’t suspended or lifted soon.
The political landscape in Syria has drastically changed since Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham led a swift coup on December 8th, ousting former President Bashar al-Assad after a 13-year civil war. Under Assad’s rule, the U.S. had imposed sanctions targeting his government and various state institutions, including the Central Bank of Syria.
Previously, Russia and Iran,
Major backers of Assad’s regime, were the primary suppliers of wheat and oil to Syria. However, they ceased these provisions following Assad’s overthrow, as he fled to Moscow.
In a significant move, the United States on Monday issued a six-month sanctions waiver on transactions with Syrian governing entities, aiming to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid post-Assad’s regime. This general license also permits certain energy transactions and personal remittances to Syria until July 7th.
The U.S. Treasury Department clarified that this step is intended to “ensure that sanctions do not impede essential services and the government’s responsibilities across Syria, including the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation.”
This action authorizes transactions to support the sale, supply, storage, or donation of energy, including petroleum and electricity, to Syria. Previously, Washington allowed humanitarian support to the Syrian people through relief groups, the United Nations, and the U.S. government, alongside some economic activities in areas not controlled by Assad’s administration.
This strategic easing of sanctions could be pivotal for the recovery and stabilization of essential services in Syria, amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities.
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