US officials praise Syria’s political transition on the anniversary of Assad’s fall, as Congress moves to repeal sanctions in the defence bill
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s fall, stating Syria had “turned a new page” and taken “significant steps” in its political transition.
“We honour the resilience of the Syrian people and reaffirm our support for a peaceful, prosperous Syria that includes its minorities and is at peace with all its neighbours,” Rubio said in a statement.
The Republican and Democratic heads of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee also welcomed the repeal of Assad-era sanctions included in the annual defence bill.
“The strength and resiliency of Syrians in the face of Assad’s repression… created the conditions for the regime’s collapse and a better future for the Syrian people,” they said in a joint statement.
Committee Chairman Jim Risch and Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen applauded the repeal of the Caesar Act sanctions and looked forward to the bill’s swift passage.
The comments came as Congress finalises the National Defense Authorisation Act, which contains a full repeal of the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.
The Trump administration had previously suspended most enforcement of the sanctions through waivers but pushed for their permanent removal.
Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party regime in power since 1963.
Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period in late January. – Bernama-Anadolu
