The US Department of State has removed Syria from the list of states that support terrorism.
Why it matters
- The removal of Syria from the list is based on the assessment that the country's support for terrorist organizations has ended.
- It promotes Syria's economic recovery and reintegration into the global economy by removing the last major obstacles to private sector investments in the country.
- The Syrian Government has made significant progress in combating terrorism, including formally joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November.
The US Department of State's decision to remove Syria from the list of states that support terrorism is a significant development. The US had initially added Syria to the list on December 29, 1979, citing the former Syrian regime's support for terrorist organizations and armed groups.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Mark Rubio said: "Today, I approved the formal revocation of Syria's "State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST)" designation, following the expiration of the mandatory 45-day Congressional notification period. I also removed the "Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT)" designation of HTS. These steps represent another historic step by President Donald Trump to provide a path to prosperity for the Syrian people."
The Syrian Government, under President Ahmed al-Shara, has taken positive steps to distance the country from international terrorism. Last year, the Syrian Government made significant progress in combating terrorism, including formally joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November.
Why it matters for Turkey
The removal of Syria from the US list of states that support terrorism has significant implications for Turkey, which has been affected by the Syrian conflict. The development is likely to impact Turkey's relations with Syria and its position in the region, and may also influence the country's defense and security policies.