US removes Syria from 'state sponsors of terrorism' list after 47 years

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Washington administration has officially withdrawn its decision designating Syria as a "state sponsor of terrorism." Thus, Syria has been removed from the list it was added to in 1979 during the Hafez al-Assad era, 47 years later.

The US Department of State also reported that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has been removed from the "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" list. Rubio stated that the decision is "another historic step by President Trump toward offering the Syrian people a path to prosperity."

According to the Department, the decision is a response to the security commitments and counter-terrorism steps taken by the Syrian government under interim head of state Ahmed Shara (Jolani). Damascus's formal accession to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS last November was also cited as an influential factor in the process.

US officials also pointed to Syria's operations targeting ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and certain pro-Iranian armed groups. The move to remove the country from the list is intended to reduce the primary legal barriers to private sector investment in the country and facilitate Syria's reintegration into international trade networks.

Following the decision, Ahmed Shara thanked US President Donald Trump. Shara stated, "Today, Syria is casting off a dark stain, tearing up a page of its painful past with its own hands, and setting sail toward the realm of development, reconstruction, and building."

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced that it welcomed the Washington administration's decision.

News Source: 12punto