Ottawa, Feb. 19 (SANA) Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand said Wednesday that Canada had introduced substantial amendments to the “Syrian Economic Measures Regulations,” including lifting the comprehensive economic embargo in place since May 2011.
In a statement, Anand said the amendments end the broad embargo linked to the defunct Assad regime. Under the decision, restrictions have been eased on the import and export of goods and services, investment activities, financial services, and transactions related to the oil and telecommunications sectors.
The amendments remove 24 entities and one individual from the Syria Regulations to reduce barriers to economic activity and enable transactions with state-affiliated entities in key sectors critical to Syria’s recovery.
According to the statement, Canada introduced two new listing criteria under the Syria Regulations to enable Ottawa to designate individuals and entities involved in gross and systematic human rights violations, as well as those undermining Syria’s peace, security and stability.
The statement affirmed that sanctions will remain in place against individuals and entities closely associated with the deposed Assad regime who were listed between 2011 and 2017. These measures aim to support efforts toward a comprehensive political transition.
The ministry also noted that Canada has provided more than $4.7 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to Syria and refugee-hosting countries since 2016.
The Canadian sanctions list currently includes 229 individuals and 32 entities subject to restrictive measures, including former officials and associates of the ousted regime. Ottawa said it will continue monitoring the situation to ensure the protection of civilians and the promotion of peace.
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