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January 16, 2025

U.N. Rights Chief Joins Calls for End to Western Sanctions on Syria
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The U.N.'s human rights chief backed growing calls for the U.S. and
Europe to lift sanctions on Syria as the country rebuilds after the
ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The sanctions were imposed shortly after the
war in Syria broke out in 2011. As he visited Damascus Wednesday, Volker
Türk also called for a national reconciliation process and warned
outside parties against infringing on Syria's sovereignty.

Volker Türk: "The Human Rights Office of the United Nations will
continue to support inclusive, nationally owned and nationally driven
processes. There are still very real threats to Syria's territorial
integrity, independence and sovereignty, which must be fully respected
and rigorously upheld."

Earlier this week, six EU member states called for the temporary
suspension of sanctions on Syrian transport, energy and banking, as the
bloc assesses a new policy toward Syria following the Assad regime's
collapse.


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