Guterres calls for immediate and full lifting of sanctions on Syria

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Sunday, at the end of his visit to Syria, for the full and immediate lifting of sanctions imposed during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, some of which were already lifted after the new authorities came to power in late 2024.

Speaking at a press conference in Damascus, he said, “I welcome the steps taken to ease sanctions and open new horizons for economic recovery, but all these sanctions should be lifted immediately.” The World Bank has estimated the cost of rebuilding Syria at more than $216 billion. However, the inflow of foreign funds and investments remains slow. The Secretary-General considered that “the international community must respond to Syria’s resolve with sustained political support, economic engagement, and practical assistance, as Syria needs to invest in its people, economy, and institutions.” He added, “Syria needs support to restore basic services, rebuild infrastructure, and revive livelihoods.” He believed that the country “needs development partners and international financial institutions to re-engage with it in ways that help unlock its economic potential and reconnect it to regional and global economic life.”

He emphasized that Syria also needs assistance “to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons.” During his two-day visit, Guterres met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, other officials, and representatives of civil society and humanitarian workers. He also visited Saydnaya Prison, which for years had been a symbol of repression under the Assad regime.