The UN Security Council late Thursday adopted a resolution removing the name of President Ahmad al-Sharaa from the international sanctions list. The draft, submitted by the United States, passed with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from China. The measure also lifts sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.
Following the vote, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, said that Syria welcomes the decision as evidence of “growing international confidence in the new Syria, its people, and its sincere and constructive approach” in engaging with the Security Council and the international community.
“The draft resolution is consistent with the historic and courageous decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to support Syria in seizing this opportunity,” Olabi said.
He thanked Council members for their “positive engagement” and for their unified support of Syria and its people. Olabi emphasized that the decision carries “added importance” as it reaffirms the Council’s strong commitment to “respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity.”
He added that Syria’s national strategy is based on “closing the chapter of war and suffering,” overcoming the “catastrophic effects of decades of oppression and tyranny,” and “building a modern state founded on the rule of law.”
He further stated that the new Syria aims in its foreign policy to be a “state of peace and partnership-not a battleground for conflicts or rivalries,” and a “bridge for development and prosperity-not a source of threat or instability.”
Arab Group: A Turning Point in Strengthening Syria’s National Institutions
On behalf of the Arab Group, Majda Moutchou, Deputy Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2799, describing it as “a major turning point toward strengthening the national institutions of the Syrian Arab Republic and establishing a new phase based on the rule of law.”
“This positive momentum provides an opportunity to reaffirm that the Arab Group stands with Syria and its people on their path toward progress and prosperity,” she said.
Moutchou reiterated the Arab Group’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and rejected “any external interference” in Syria’s internal affairs. She also called for the “lifting of all economic restrictions imposed on Syria,” which she said deepen suffering and hinder reconstruction and development.
Algeria: Reflects Commitment to Syria’s Security and Stability
Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amar Bendjama, stated that voting for the resolution demonstrates the international community’s commitment to Syria’s security and stability and its support for rebuilding national institutions.
He reaffirmed Algeria’s backing of a “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process” in line with Resolution 2254, describing it as “the only path toward building an inclusive, new Syria.” He reiterated Algeria’s readiness to contribute to any international efforts that promote stability and development.
United States: Syria’s Government Is Working to Fulfill Its Commitments
U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Mike Waltz, said that adopting the resolution sends a “strong political signal” that Syria has begun a new chapter in its history since the fall of the Assad regime.
He noted that the “new Syrian government” is working diligently to meet its commitments to “combat terrorism and narcotics,” eliminate remaining “chemical weapons,” enhance “security and regional stability,” and lead an “inclusive, Syrian-owned political process.”
The resolution, he added, “gives the Syrian people a great opportunity to rise again.”
United Kingdom: A Defining Moment in Syria’s History
Britain’s Permanent Representative to the UN, James Kariuki, called the resolution as “a defining moment one year after the fall of the former regime.”
He welcomed the progress made by the Syrian government in the political transition process and in “counterterrorism efforts,” affirming that the UK will continue to support Syria’s pursuit of stability and prosperity.
France: A Step Toward Supporting Economic Recovery
France’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, welcomed the adoption of the resolution, calling it “a key step toward supporting Syria’s economic recovery and enabling it to meet the needs of its people.”
He added that it “opens a new chapter of hope for rebuilding a sovereign, unified Syria free of terrorism and drugs.”
Russia: Resolution Meets the Aspirations of the Syrian People
Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, said his country voted in favor of the resolution because it “reflects the interests and aspirations of the Syrian people.”
He expressed hope that the measure will “strengthen economic recovery and development during the current transitional phase,” and reaffirmed Russia’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
