Damascus: Syria has lauded a decision by the US Senate to revoke the Caesar Act, describing it as a 'constructive step' in mending relations between Damascus and Washington. The Syrian Foreign Ministry expressed its approval of the Senate's decision to include the repeal in the budget bill, viewing it as a positive development.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Caesar Act was initially imposed on the former regime of Bashar al-Assad due to its crimes. However, the Syrian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the continuation of the Act after Assad's regime fell has led to significant humanitarian and economic challenges, adversely affecting civilians across multiple sectors.

The ministry acknowledged the 'responsible American approach' and extended gratitude to US legislative bodies for reassessing previous policies. The ministry stated that the decision represents a step toward improving bilateral relations, enhancing regional security and stability, and opening new avenues for humanitarian and economic collaboration.

The decision came after the Senate passed a comprehensive annual defense policy bill, the NDAA, which included the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. This Act, signed by President Donald Trump during his first term, had imposed extensive sanctions on Syrian individuals and institutions for human rights abuses during the country's civil war.

The NDAA passed with significant support, receiving a 77 to 20 vote in the 100-member chamber. The bill will now proceed to a joint conference where representatives from the Senate and House of Representatives will reconcile differences between their versions of the bill.

Bashar al-Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in late 2024, ending the Baath Party's prolonged rule that began in 1963. Following Assad's departure, a new transitional administration under President Ahmad al-Sharaa was established in Syria in January.