Syria welcomed the US Senate’s “adoption of a provision within the budget bill calling for the repeal of the so-called ‘Caesar Act,’ which was imposed on the former regime due to its crimes,” Syrian state media SANA reported.
“The Syrian government affirmed that the continued enforcement of the act after the deposed regime has caused severe humanitarian and economic repercussions for the Syrian people and negatively impacted civilian life across various sectors.”
Syria’s Foreign Ministry said it appreciates the US approach. “The ministry affirmed that this decision represents a constructive step toward correcting the course of bilateral relations with the United States, contributing to regional security and stability, and opening the door to promising opportunities for humanitarian and economic cooperation,” SANA noted.
Syria’s Defense Minister Major-General Murhaf Abu Qasra also praised the US Senate’s vote.
“The US Senate’s decision to repeal the Caesar Act is a clear and renewed acknowledgment of Syria’s return to its rightful place and its regional and global role.” Abu Qasra stated on X. He also noted that “a new chapter is opening for all national institutions, defined by work, reconstruction, and the consolidation of stability and Syria’s advancement.”
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani also said his ministry “has worked to lift one of the heaviest burdens that has constrained our nation economically and politically.” He noted also that “this step restores the dignity of the Syrian people and their right to rebuild and shape their future, while reviving the vitality of state institutions to rise and prosper.”
SANA noted that “the Syrian Civilian Protection Act, commonly known as the Caesar Act, was enacted in late 2019, based on testimonies and leaked photos from inside the former regime’s detention centers documenting crimes against humanity. It came into force in 2020 as part of a series of US sanctions aimed at pressuring the former regime, deepening its financial, economic, and political isolation, and punishing its supporters to halt its repressive practices against the Syrian people and force it to accept a political solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.”
Syria capitalizes on new diplomatic ties
Syria is moving to capitalize on its new ties abroad. The Syrian transitional President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, was in New York for the UN General Assembly in September. He hosted US envoy Tom Barrack in Damascus last week alongside the head of US Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper. The head of the US-backed SDF Mazloum Abdi was also in Damascus to work on a ceasefire to reduce tensions with Damascus.
This weekend, Shaibani also received the credentials of new ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Italy, and Bangladesh. These are all countries that Syria can work with.
Saudi Arabia, especially is important to Syria. “The foreign minister received copies of the credentials from Faisal Al-Mujfel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Ruben Kharazyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia; Stefano Ravagnan, Ambassador of the Italian Republic; and Noor-E Helal Saifur Rahman, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” SANA noted.