Qatar Advocates for Immediate Lifting of Sanctions on Syria

Qatar has called for the prompt removal of sanctions on Syria following President Bashar Assad’s ousting. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari emphasized that the conditions warranting these sanctions no longer exist. This appeal follows the recent reopening of Qatar’s embassy in Damascus, signaling improved relations after a lengthy estrangement. The international community remains cautious in lifting sanctions while observing the actions of Syria’s new authorities.

Qatar has formally urged for the swift lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria following the recent ousting of President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led factions. During a regular briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, emphasized the necessity of accelerating efforts to remove international sanctions, asserting that the conditions prompting these sanctions have ceased to exist. This appeal coincides with the reopening of the Qatari embassy in Damascus, marking the resolution of a prolonged estrangement lasting 13 years between the two nations.

Al-Ansari stated, “Qatar’s position is clear. It’s necessary to lift the sanctions quickly, given that what led to these sanctions is no longer there and that what led to these sanctions were the crimes of the former regime.” Qatar has historically positioned itself against Assad, notably supporting the armed opposition that emerged after the suppression of a peaceful uprising in 2011. While other regional states have recently resumed ties with Syria, Qatar has remained critical of Assad’s regime, reluctant to renew relations despite Syria’s reacceptance into the Arab diplomatic community. The global response to potential sanctions relief has been cautious, with many states preferring to observe how the new Syrian authorities navigate their governance.

The call for the removal of sanctions on Syria arises from recent developments in the Syrian political landscape, where President Bashar Assad has been ousted. International sanctions were initially imposed due to the actions of Assad’s government in response to civil uprisings that began in 2011. Qatar has been a prominent supporter of the Syrian opposition throughout the conflict, advocating for a political resolution that aligns with the aspirations of the Syrian populace. The reopening of the Qatari embassy signals a warming of relations and reflects a broader discussion about Syria’s place within the Arab world following years of conflict.

In conclusion, Qatar’s call for the lifting of sanctions on Syria reflects a significant shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the region following Assad’s ouster. With Qatar urging rapid action to restore Syria’s standing within the international community, the attention now turns to how other nations will respond and what steps the new authorities in Syria will take to stabilize the country and address remnants of the prior regime.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com