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Security Council representatives voted in favour to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa before his White House visit next week.

Sharaa was named interim leader subsequent to commanding an insurgent campaign that drove out Bashar al-Assad in winter 2024, concluding over a decade of civil war.

The US representative to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions in his role as head of the religious organization HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda. The US removed HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.

More Penalties Removed

Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks toward America and supportive states for assisting the country and its population."

Imminent Washington Talks

President Sharaa's presidential meeting at the start of the week comes after President Trump stated the Middle Eastern president demonstrated "substantial headway" working toward stability to the previously divided state.

The two leaders convened for the first time this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip on a tour of the region.

After that meeting, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past".

The HTS organization he led operated as the terrorist network's partner inside the country before he cut connections in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

The upcoming meeting is not Sharaa's first trip to the US in the current year. During September, he emerged as the initial Syrian president to speak before the United Nations gathering in New York after approximately sixty years.

Throughout his presentation, he stated the country had been "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" and expressed solidarity toward Gaza's residents.

• President Sharaa addresses UN General Assembly initially following approximately sixty years
• The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes