Trump: "Sanctions imposed on Syria will be lifted"
US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions against Syria at the US-Saudi Joint Investment Forum in Saudi Arabia.
Trump recalled his phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his speech, saying he had also made a request. "Other influential friends of mine in the Middle East have made the same request. We will lift the sanctions on Syria," he said.
He also announced that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Syria's new Foreign Minister, Assad Hassan Shaibani, in Turkey this week.
Trump addressed the grave hardship and deaths being experienced by the Syrian people and expressed hope that the new government would keep the country stable and peaceful.
Russia-Ukraine negotiations
Trump said the upcoming Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul could be "very productive," and that Marco Rubio would attend, calling the war the deadliest conflict since World War II.
He also emphasized that he mediated last week in the tense situation between India and Pakistan, using trade in the process: "I said, 'Let's trade instead of nuclear missiles.'"
Statement on Gaza
Trump referred to Israel's war efforts in Gaza, saying, "The people of Gaza deserve a better future." He said that negotiations for the release of an Israeli prisoner had been successful.
The Iranian issue
Trump has expressed his desire to reach a deal with Iran, saying, "If the Iranian leadership rejects this opportunity and continues its attacks, then we will have no choice but to apply a policy of maximum pressure." He said Iran should never have a nuclear weapon.
US State Department and International Relations
US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott also expressed hope that this process would bring peace and prosperity. He noted that there is no clear answer yet on when and how the sanctions will be lifted.
The Syrian side's reaction
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Shaibani welcomed Trump's decision, calling it a "historic turning point." He said it was a chance for hope, economic recovery, and independence for the people.
Thousands of people took to the streets in various Syrian cities to celebrate the decision. Fireworks were set off in Emawiya Square. One resident, Nazar Ramadan, called the day a "day of victory." Meҗida Neba expressed gratitude for Erdogan's active role in the process.
Statements from the American Muslim Organization and the UN
Nihad Awad, head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), called Trump's decision to lift sanctions "an important and positive step." He also called for Israel to withdraw from Syria and end the blockade of Gaza.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen also welcomed the decision, noting that it is important for health, education, the economy, and reconstruction.
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