đź”— Share this article United Nations Ends Sanctions on President of Syria Prior to Presidential Visit United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a US resolution ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his White House visit next week. Sharaa was named interim leader subsequent to commanding a revolutionary movement that removed the former president in December 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of domestic strife. Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "an emphatic political statement" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster. Sharaa was under UN sanctions in his role as head of the Islamist group the HTS movement, previously associated with the extremist organization. America delisted the organization from the catalog of international terrorist organizations this past July. Further Restrictions Lifted The UN also removed penalties against the Syrian interior official Anas Khattab. Syria's foreign minister applauded the lifting of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks toward America and allied countries for assisting the country and its population." Forthcoming Presidential Visit The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday follows US President Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the previously divided state. Following their discussion, the US president stated Sharaa possessed "a genuine opportunity for national reconciliation". The pair met for the first time this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia on a tour of Arab nations. Subsequent to that discussion, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background". His Islamist group HTS served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country prior to breaking relations back in 2016. Earlier American Trip The upcoming meeting will not be his initial visit to the US this year. This past fall, he made history as the first Syrian leader to speak before the UN General Assembly in New York after approximately sixty years. In his speech, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" while showing support toward Gaza's residents. Syrian leader presents to international community on historic occasion in almost 60 years The high-level talks with President Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, enhances Syrian aspirations