🔗 Share this article United Nations Ends Penalties on Syria's Leader Prior to Presidential Visit The UN Security Council voted in favour to an American proposal to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa before his White House visit the following week. He was appointed interim leader subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that removed the previous leader in winter 2024, ending over a decade of internal conflict. The US representative to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that acknowledged Syria entered "a new era" after Assad's removal. Previously, he faced UN sanctions while commanding the Muslim faction the HTS movement, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. The US removed the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations during July. Further Restrictions Lifted The UN also removed sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab. The Syrian diplomatic chief applauded the lifting of these restrictions, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks toward America and allied countries for their support of Syria and its people." Upcoming White House Meeting The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday comes after President Trump said the Syrian leader demonstrated "substantial headway" towards bringing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation. After the meeting, Trump remarked the Syrian leader had "a real shot for national reconciliation". The two leaders convened initially this past May, when Trump visited Riyadh while traveling through the Middle East. After that meeting, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" having a "formative history". His Islamist group HTS served as al-Qaeda's branch within Syria prior to breaking relations during 2016. Earlier American Trip Monday's visit is not the president's debut journey to the US during this period. During September, he became the initial Syrian president to address the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters in almost 60 years. Throughout his presentation, he said Syria was "regaining its deserved status among the nations of the world" while showing support with the people of Gaza. The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion after nearly six decades The high-level talks with President Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, elevates national expectations