(Reuters) -A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the Trump administration supports repealing the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria through the National Defense Authorization Act, which is being discussed by U.S. lawmakers. “The United States is in regular communication with regional partners and welcomes any investment or engagement in Syria that supports the chance for all […]
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US backs repeal of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, State Department says
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(Reuters) -A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the Trump administration supports repealing the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria through the National Defense Authorization Act, which is being discussed by U.S. lawmakers.
“The United States is in regular communication with regional partners and welcomes any investment or engagement in Syria that supports the chance for all Syrians to have a peaceful and prosperous country,” the spokesperson said.
Several Saudi Arabian firms are planning billion-dollar investments in Syria as part of Riyadh’s drive to support the country’s recovery, though the U.S. sanctions and a fragmented state apparatus remain key obstacles.
In May, the kingdom hosted a landmark meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, during which Trump announced plans to lift all sanctions on Syria.
However, the most stringent restrictions, known as the Caesar sanctions, can only be removed by an act of the U.S. Congress, where lawmakers are split but expected to reach a decision before year-end.
The Caesar Act imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Syria targeting individuals, companies and institutions linked to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government was ousted by rebel forces led by Sharaa last year.
(Reporting by Timour Azhari;Editing by Alison Williams and Bill Berkrot)