LONDON — The British government lifted asset freezes on numerous Syrian government agencies Thursday, the latest easing of sanctions following dictator Bashar Assad’s fall from power.
The Syrian interior and defense ministries were removed from the list of entities subject to financial sanctions by the U.K. for previously “repressing the civilian population” or “supporting or benefiting from the Syrian regime.”
Syria’s General Intelligence Directorate, Air Force Intelligence Agency and National Security Bureau were all removed. The changes follow Assad’s regime collapsing in December, though restrictions on certain goods and technologies will remain.
The measures will “support Syria’s economic recovery following the fall of Assad,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson said Thursday. The lifted sanctions, which come into force Friday, “aim to promote regional stability and encourage the return of Syrian refugees,” he added.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the New York Times lifting sanctions would prevent another civil war and keep the government functioning.
“Any chaos in Syria will damage not just neighboring countries but the whole world,” Al-Sharaa said.
The British government previously unfroze sanctions on Syria’s central bank and oil companies in March as it tries to build closer relations with Damascus.
The post UK lifts sanctions on Syria’s defense ministry appeared first on Politico.
