Syria: The United States has started a new era in its relationship with Syria. Following President Donald Trump’s historic meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the United States is working towards ceasing U.S. sanctions on the war-torn nation.

On May 23, Secretary of State Marco Rubio waived sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act for 180 days, and the Treasury Department issued General License 25, authorizing a broad range of transactions and investments in Syria.

“We have already begun to see the impact of these actions, most notably in the signing of a $7 billion deal under which the United States, Qatari, and Turkish firms would invest in Syria’s power sector,” noted Dorothy Shea, Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations.

“The cessation of U.S. sanctions against Syria will give the country a chance to succeed. We encourage other member states to provide similar sanctions relief, and to support recovery and reconstruction.”

The Syrian government’s actions so far on critical tasks like the search for missing persons and the destruction of chemical weapons have provided hope for what Syria can achieve – and for what must come next, said Ambassador Shea.

“First, the government should begin discussions with Israel on a non-aggression agreement and subsequently begin border dispute resolution discussions. Second, the government should in short order present its plan and intentions with regard to the foreign fighters on Syrian soil. Third, the government should take necessary steps to ban and deport Palestinian terror groups.”

Ambassador Shea also called on the Syrian government to work with the United States in its efforts to counter ISIS.

Furthermore, the Syrian government must provide a plan for how it will assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in northeast Syria.

“Countries of origin must also play their part to expeditiously repatriate their nationals from northeast Syria,” urged Ambassador Shea.

“Finally, we are encouraged by Syria’s cooperation with both the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency,” said Ambassador Shea, “and we look forward to further progress.” VOA/SP