Washington: The US has partially suspended the imposition of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria for 180 days, the Treasury Department announced Monday. This decision, which temporarily lifts certain sanctions, is seen as a significant step in the evolving diplomatic relationship between the US and Syria.
According to Anadolu Agency, the suspension replaces a May 23 waiver that also granted a 180-day exemption from mandatory Caesar Act sanctions. This move underscores "our commitment to continued sanctions relief for Syria," as stated in an advisory from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). However, the suspension is selective and does not cover transactions involving the governments of Russia and Iran or transfers of goods and services originating from these countries.
The advisory emphasizes that the sanctions remain in effect against individuals and entities characterized as "the worst of the worst," including former President Bashar al-Assad and his associates. Additionally, Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) is currently under review, indicating potential future changes in the country's international status.
The 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act has played a pivotal role in the US strategy to apply pressure on the former Syrian regime of Assad, who was ousted last December, ending decades of Baath Party rule. The Act effectively blocked international investments and economic transactions linked to the Syrian government and its affiliates.
The announcement of the suspension coincided with a landmark visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to Washington. This visit marks the first time a Syrian president has traveled to the US since Syria gained independence in 1946, highlighting a significant shift in bilateral relations.
Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the suspension of mandatory Caesar Act sanctions was a response to the Syrian government's actions following the fall of the Assad regime. Rubio expressed that the suspension is intended to support Syria's economic rebuilding efforts and the restoration of international ties.
Rubio further noted that President Donald Trump has articulated expectations for "concrete actions" from the Syrian government to promote peace in the region. Trump had initiated the process of lifting US sanctions after meeting with Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in May, subsequently issuing an executive order to formally remove comprehensive US sanctions in June.
The US State Department has also shown support for the new Syrian government by revoking the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of the al-Nusrah Front (also known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham or HTS) and removing Sharaa from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list.
Diyar Guldogan contributed to this report from Washington, DC.