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UN Envoy Urges End to Western Sanctions to Aid Syria's Rebuilding Post-Assad

Dec 15, 2024, 02:00 PM

The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for a quick end to Western sanctions on the country following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. Pedersen emphasized the need for justice and accountability rather than revenge, as he arrived in Damascus to meet with officials from the new interim government established by the opposition forces that toppled Assad. The Syrian government has been under strict sanctions from the United States, the European Union, and others for years due to Assad's brutal response to anti-government protests that escalated into a civil war. The sanctions have significantly hindered rebuilding efforts in the war-torn nation, and Pedersen hopes that their swift removal will aid in rebuilding Syria. He also stressed the importance of an inclusive political process led by Syrians themselves to ensure a peaceful transition and avoid further conflict. Pedersen's visit underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and facilitating the return of refugees.