🔗 Share this article

The UN Security Council gave the green light to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his presidential meeting the following week.

He became interim leader subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that drove out the previous leader in December 2024, concluding thirteen long years of civil war.

America's diplomat UN ambassador Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "an emphatic political statement" that recognised Syria was in "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

Previously, he faced global penalties as the leader of the Islamist group HTS, which was formerly linked to the extremist organization. The US removed the group from its registry of global extremist entities this past July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

The UN also removed restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister the interior minister.

Syria's foreign minister applauded the lifting of these restrictions, declaring through digital channels: "The nation shows its gratitude toward America and to friendly nations for backing the Syrian nation and citizens."

Upcoming White House Meeting

President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday occurs subsequent to US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The pair met initially in May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia while traveling through the region.

Following that encounter, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" possessing a "powerful background".

His former militant faction operated as the terrorist network's partner within Syria prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent the president's debut journey to America during this period. During September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to speak before the global assembly in New York after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he said Syria was "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza.

• President Sharaa speaks before global body on historic occasion following approximately sixty years
• The high-level talks with Sharaa, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations