US Issues Orders Easing Syria Sanctions After Trump Pledge

The Trump administration issued orders on May 23 that it said would effectively lift sanctions on Syria, after President Donald Trump pledged earlier in the month to unwind the measures to help the country rebuild after a devastating civil war.

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WASHINGTON -

The Treasury Department issued a general license that authorizes transactions involving the interim Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the central bank and state-owned enterprises.

The general license, known as GL25, "authorizes transactions prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria", the Treasury Department said.

"GL25 will enable new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President's America First strategy."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Act to ensure that sanctions do not obstruct investment and to facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water and sanitation as well as enable humanitarian efforts, he said in a statement.