The UK government has announced the lifting of sanctions on a dozen Syrian entities, including government departments and media outlets, in an effort to help the country recover after nearly 14 years of civil war.
This decision follows a push by the new authorities in Damascus to have the harsh sanctions imposed by Western countries on President Bashar al-Assad’s government lifted, though the efforts have met with limited success.
These sanctions were initially put in place against those who supported Assad’s repressive regime, helped violently suppress civilians, and spread misinformation. The UK has now removed financial sanctions and asset freezes from several government agencies, such as the ministries of interior and defence, the Foreign Office confirmed.
“The Syrian people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their country and economy and a stable Syria is in the UK’s national interest,” Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, said in a statement.
Syria’s new leadership has faced significant challenges in rebuilding the country’s decimated infrastructure and economy. With ongoing difficulties, Damascus has sought the removal of Western-imposed sanctions, which have been gradually eased. The UK has also lifted sanctions against the General Organization of Radio and TV, a state-run agency previously accused of spreading Assad’s propaganda and inciting violence.
Additionally, sanctions were removed from media outlets like Al Watan newspaper, Cham Press TV, and Sama TV for their role in spreading misinformation.
However, sanctions targeting Assad and his associates remain in effect, with new legislation introduced to hold the former leader and others accountable for their actions during the civil war.
In March, the UK also lifted sanctions against two dozen Syrian businesses, mostly banks and oil companies. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has yet to officially recognize the new Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, an Islamist former insurgent who led the offensive that ousted Assad. His militant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), remains a US-designated terrorist organization, and the sanctions imposed on Damascus under Assad continue.
Despite this, Washington has eased some restrictions. In January, the US Treasury issued a general license that permits certain transactions with the Syrian government, including energy sales and incidental transactions.
Meanwhile, the European Union has started easing some energy, transport, and banking sanctions, suspending measures targeting oil, gas, electricity, and the aviation sector.
