SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate, affirmed that the Senate’s decision to repeal the “Caesar Act” sanctions represents a historic development in U.S.-Syria relations.

She described it as a significant step that offers Syria a genuine opportunity to achieve economic and political stability and transform into a regional hub of prosperity. Shaheen urged the House of Representatives to pass the legislation.

“The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate includes my initiative to repeal the outdated Caesar sanctions on Syria. This is a historic milestone that will help Syrians recover from decades of conflict and move toward stability. It also includes my initiatives to counter the spread of Captagon, reopen the U.S. embassy in Damascus, and ensure adequate U.S. military presence in Syria for counterterrorism efforts,” Shaheen said in a statement published ,Friday, by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on its official website.

Shaheen added: “The Senate’s passage of this repeal followed intensive diplomatic efforts and bipartisan coordination to lift sanctions designed to hobble the Assad regime. It also builds on meetings with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus and New York. This marks a historic milestone in U.S.-Syria relations and clears a pathway for Syrians to recover from decades of brutal dictatorship and conflict, while enhancing prospects for reducing Iranian and Russian influence and building a more peaceful and prosperous future.”

She pointed out that the Senate-passed NDAA includes provision to counter the production and distribution of Captagon and supports Syria’s efforts to halt drug and arms smuggling across its borders to neighboring countries such as Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The drug trade helped fuel Assad-era violence and criminality in Syria and bred instability across the region,”

The U.S. Senator stated that “the Bill includes provisions to encourage steps toward reopening the U.S. embassy in Damascus and ensuring adequate U.S. troop presence in Syria to counter terrorism. The embassy has been closed since 2012, and reopening it safely would deepen diplomatic relations, encourage private investment, and restore services for American citizens. Additionally, increased legislative oversight of U.S. troop levels will help prevent ISIS from exploiting Syria’s transitional phase.”

MHD Ibrahim

Residents of Manbij and a group of Syrian activists in Germany organized a solidarity event in support of the “Fazaa Manbij” campaign.

The initiative aims to raise funds for service, health, and educational projects in the city, and to contribute to the reconstruction of what was destroyed by the former regime.

The event, held in the German city of Dortmund, drew a large turnout from the Syrian community across various German cities and neighboring countries. It featured activities that reflected the spirit of solidarity and mutual support between Syrians abroad and those inside the country.

“The Fazaa Manbij event was designed to unify the voices of Syrians in exile and express their moral and national commitment to their cities and people back home. Every donation is a message of loyalty and belonging.” event host Ibrahim al-Samou said in a statement to SANA.

MHD Ibrahim

Qatar welcomed the adoption by the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), during its 110th session, of the resolution titled “Accelerated Destruction of Remaining Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic,” which was approved by consensus among member states.

“The broad consensus achieved on this resolution reflects the commitment of the States Parties to a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility, and the international community’s determination to move forward in closing this file, in a manner that strengthens the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention,” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.

Qatar expressed its appreciation for Syria’s constructive cooperation with the OPCW during the related discussions, which contributed to the adoption of the resolution. It reaffirmed its full support for the OPCW’s efforts in fulfilling its mandate.

It also praised the constructive collaboration among States Parties in reaching this consensus, emphasizing the importance of continued collective action to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining chemical weapons and thereby reinforcing international peace and security.

MHD Ibrahim

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stressed, Friday, the importance of strengthening security cooperation between their countries and Syria, stressing the need for continued regional coordination to confront the threat posed by ISIS and to ensure stability along the borders of the three nations.

During a joint press conference in Ankara with his Iraqi counterpart, Minister Fidan stated that the region is facing significant challenges both regionally and internationally. He noted that Turkey continues its efforts to bolster security and stability in cooperation with neighboring countries, highlighting that coordination with Syria and Iraq is a key element in confronting terrorist threats.

Fidan underscored the importance of enhancing security and stability in the region, commending Iraq’s supportive stance on the unity of Syrian territory.

For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein noted that relations with Damascus are strong, with officials from both countries meeting regularly, He pointed to frequent meetings with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, as well as a prior meeting between President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.

Hussein indicated that security coordination between the two sides includes reciprocal visits by relevant authorities, noting that regional coordination is underway to combat ISIS cells that threaten the security of Syria, Iraq, and the broader region.

MHD Ibrahim

Education Minister Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko clarified that U.S. Senate’s vote in repealing the Caesar Act is important step toward national recovery and rebuilding Syria’s education system.

“lifting sanctions will allow access to modern technologies, improve schools and curricula, and strengthen cooperation with friendly countries’’ He noted.

Turko described the moment as a historic opportunity to launch comprehensive education reform, emphasizing that rebuilding education is a national project to restore hope and develop future generations.

Syria has welcomed the U.S. Senate’s adoption of a provision within the budget bill calling for the repeal of the so-called “Caesar Act,” which was imposed on the former regime due to its crimes.

The Syrian government affirmed that the continued enforcement of the act after the deposed regime has caused severe humanitarian and economic repercussions for the Syrian people and negatively impacted civilian life across various sectors.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates expressed, in a statement Friday, Syria’s appreciation for this responsible approach and extended its gratitude to the American legislative circles that recognized the importance of reassessing previous policies.

The ministry affirmed that this decision represents a constructive step toward correcting the course of bilateral relations with the United States, contributing to regional security and stability, and opening the door to promising opportunities for humanitarian and economic cooperation.

It noted that Syria looks forward to continuing constructive engagement and positive coordination with the U.S. Congress and government to complete the necessary steps for the full repeal of the Caesar Act.

The ministry described this shift as a strategically significant development, reflecting a qualitative change in the international community’s approach to the Syrian file. It paves the way for national recovery efforts, reconstruction, and economic revitalization, while also fostering a climate of trust and laying the foundation for a more stable and cooperative phase at both the regional and international levels.

Minister of Defense Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra affirmed, Friday, that the U.S. Senate’s vote in favor of repealing the Caesar Act constitutes a recognition of Syria’s return to its regional and international role, noting that the country is entering a new phase marked by reconstruction, stability, and progress.

“The U.S. Senate’s decision to repeal the Caesar Act is a clear and renewed acknowledgment of Syria’s return to its rightful place and its regional and global role.” Major General Abu Qasra stated on X.

He added: “A new chapter is opening for all national institutions, defined by work, reconstruction, and the consolidation of stability and Syria’s advancement.”

MHD Ibrahim

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that deepening and developing bilateral relations with Syria is achieved by forming joint committees to examine all outstanding issues, most importantly the agreements concluded between the two countries, which inevitably require reconsideration, study and evaluation.

In a post on X, the Lebanese precedency said :” Aoun informed Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani ,at their meeting in the Lebanese capital Beirut, that Lebanon is looking forward towards enhancing relations between Lebanon and Syria based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and activating cooperation between the two countries in political, economic and security fields to achieve stability in both countries.

Aoun noted that the Syrian decision to suspend the work of Syrian Lebanese Higher Council requires the activation of diplomatic relations, adding that “in this frame, we’re waiting the appointment of a new Syrian ambassador to Lebanon to follow up all the issues through the Syrian and Lebanese embassies in Damascus and Bierut.  

He said:” we’ve a long way ahead, and when intentions are pure, the interests of our two brotherly countries will prevail over all considerations, and we have no choice but to agree on what guarantees this interest,” noting that the situations on the Syrian Lebanese borders is better than what it was earlier, and the issues that require treatment, as we’ve agreed upon with President Ahmad al-Sharaa during our two previous meeting in Cairo and Doha,  the most prominent of these are the issues of land and maritime borders, the gas pipeline, and the issue of detainees.

We will work to study all these issues based on the common interest”.

Tuhama alsaidi /Mazen Eyoun

Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir described the U.S. Senate’s vote in favor of repealing the Caesar Act as a significant step in advancing U.S. policy toward Syria.

In a post on the “X” platform, Al-Bashir said ‘’the step is crucial for reconstruction, development, and political and economic stability, offering hope to end years of humanitarian suffering’’.

The U.S. Senate passed the repeal by majority within the National Defense Authorization Act, responding to positive developments in Syria and constructive efforts to reopen cooperation with the United States based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The U.S. Senate voted by majority in favor of a provision within the Department of Defense budget bill that calls for repealing the “Caesar Act” by the end of this year, paving the way to end years of harsh economic sanctions imposed on Syria due to the practices of the deposed regime.

The “Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” commonly known as the “Caesar Act,” was enacted in late 2019, based on testimonies and leaked photos from inside the former regime’s detention centers documenting crimes against humanity. It came into force in 2020 as part of a series of U.S. sanctions aimed at pressuring the former regime, deepening its financial, economic, and political isolation, and punishing its supporters to halt its repressive practices against the Syrian people and force it to accept a political solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Pressure on the Former Regime to Halt Its Crimes

The act mandated asset freezes and financial transaction bans, imposing ten-year economic sanctions on individuals and entities affiliated with the former regime and implicated in war crimes. It also prohibited financial dealings with influential figures connected to the regime and penalized any Syrian or foreign entity investing or engaging with it in sectors such as energy, aviation, construction, and banking.

The former regime attempted to circumvent the law through so-called reconstruction projects, but the act firmly sanctioned all participants in such initiatives. Exceptions were made to safeguard Syrian civilians, allowing humanitarian transactions related to food, medicine, and medical supplies.

A Pivotal Role for Syrian Diplomacy in Its Repeal

Syrian diplomacy played a central role in repealing the Caesar Act, relying on a gradual political strategy aimed at rebuilding international trust and dismantling the sanctions regime. It adopted a pragmatic, non-confrontational discourse focused on dialogue and openness, while emphasizing national sovereignty and rejecting foreign interference. This approach helped soften international stances, particularly within the U.S. Congress, which began reassessing the effectiveness of the sanctions.

The Syrian diplomacy also coordinated with the Syrian community in the United States, particularly through the Syrian-American Council, which lobbied members of Congress and submitted reports highlighting the humanitarian impact of the sanctions on the Syrian people. This contributed to a shift in the political climate in Washington.

Opening the Door to Rebuild What the Former Regime Destroyed

The repeal of the Caesar Act opens the door for foreign investors—especially from Arab and Western countries—to return to the Syrian market after years of isolation. It will accelerate the lifting of restrictions on vital sectors such as energy, construction, and banking, particularly in war-torn cities. Additionally, the influx of foreign currency is expected to stabilize the Syrian pound’s exchange rate, positively impacting citizens’ purchasing power.

Repealing the act will also ease money transfers from Syrians abroad to their families at home, bolstering the local economy. It will encourage community members to return or invest in development projects within Syria and motivate international relief organizations to expand their operations without fear of sanctions. These developments are expected to improve the economic situation and alleviate the daily hardships faced by Syrians.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, accompied by Justice Minister, Mazhar al-Weis, and cheif of General Intelligence Service, Hussein al-Salameh,met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Beirut as part of an official visit to Lebanon.

The talks focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen joint cooperation between the two brotherly countries, as well as a number of political, economic and security issues of mutual interest.

Iraq republic welcomed the international and regional efforts which resulted in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza Strip.

The Iraqi foreign ministry, in a statement published today, said:” Iraq fully supported all the efforts aiming to stop the war on the strip, relief citizens suffering, and work on creating the conditions that consecrate stability in the region”, insisting that this support comes to guarantee the legal Palestinian people rights according to the international legitimacy resolutions, to achieve its ambitions in establishing its independent state with Jerusalem its capital.

The ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and put an end to the Palestinian people suffering, with a guarantee to deliver humanitarian aid to all the affected people with no obstacles, which contributes to finding a supportive environment to achieve regional security and stability.

The announcement on reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza came at dawn today, after indirect negotiations between the concerned parties and regional and international mediators, which states putting an end to war on Gaza and the withdrawal of the occupation forces, in addition to guaranteeing the entry of humanitarian aids and the completion of the prisoner exchange deal.

The Syrian-American Council in Washington said that the U.S. Senate approved the version of the budget that includes a provision stipulating the complete repeal of the Caesar Act.

In a post on X, the U.S. Senate said today:” we are very pleased and proud to announce to the Syrian people that our efforts have borne fruit today in the Senate, where their version of the budget, which includes our provision to repeal the Caesar Act, was approved with a vote of 77 in favor and only 20 against.”

The Senate explained that the act which was included in the budget states unconditional repealing of the Caesar Act by year end, hinting that this development represents a dramatic victory, in the efforts exerted to end that affects of this act which imposes harsh economic restrictions on Syria.

It added:” the provisions that required the automatic re-imposition of sanctions in the event of non-compliance are now non-binding targets.”

According to the Senate:” In short, we have thwarted attempts to forever tie Caesar to a sword over the necks of investors wishing to enter Syria” explaining that the Senate copy will be transferred now to negotiations with the House of Representatives, in preparation to authorize the final copy which the president of the United States, Donald Trump, will sign before the end of this year.

Tuhama alsaidi  /Mazen Eyoun

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held talks in Beirut on Friday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Yousef Raji on bilateral relations and the situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Following his meeting with President Aoun, al-Shaibani told reporters that Syria is working with Lebanon to “establish trade and investment relations” as Syria enters “a phase of recovery and reconstruction, which must be reflected in Lebanon.”

The minister thanked Lebanon for hosting Syrian refugees and noted that Damascus is “working on their return” according to an international plan.

Earlier, al-Shaibani said at a joint press conference with his counterpart Yousef Raji that his visit to Beirut reflects the “new direction of Syria, which holds deep respect for Lebanon.”

“We are working to restore relations with Lebanon based on mutual interests and the policy of good neighborliness,” al-Shaibani said, noting that Syria is working with Lebanon to move beyond past mistakes.

For his part, the Lebanese Foreign Minister pointed out that there is goodwill between Lebanon and Syria in committing to building strong bilateral relations, noting that both countries are embarking on a new path toward development, economic prosperity, and mutual cooperation.

Nisreen / Abdull

Syria’s Central Bank (CBS) Governor ,Abdulkader al-Husrieh affirmed that the repealing of the Caesar Act is a significant step toward alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people caused by years of sanctions.

Al-Husrieh wrote on his facebook that Syria is entering today ” a turning point not only in the course of the Syrian economy, but in the history of Syria as a whole to regain its rightful place among the nations of the world.”

He welcomed this pivotal development of the Syrian diplomacy to defend Syria’s sovereignty and the rights of its people on global arena.

Acknowledging that the road ahead remains long, al-Husrieh called for big efforts to reintegrate Syria into the global financial system, he emphasized that the Central Bank will continue its efforts to “restore financial stability, strength confidence in the Syrian pound, and work with regional and international partners to reopen channels of trade, investment, and cooperation”

Earlier Friday , U.S. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson announced that the U.S. Senate had voted to repeal the Caesar Act imposed on Syria during the rule of the former regime.

Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar commended the U.S. Senate’s approval of the repeal of the Caesar Act, describing it as a historic moment and the start of a new phase of economic recovery in Syria after years of restrictions and isolation.

Al-Shaar noted in a statement to SANA that the decision came as a result of a comprehensive national effort and close coordination between state institutions and partners abroad to “reopen the doors to production, investment, and trade.”

He highlighted that Syria is entering “a new economic era, whose main theme is work, openness, and responsibility.”

The Economy Minister said that Syria today has a real opportunity for a comprehensive industrial and economic renaissance to “restore the private sector’s role, revitalize productive infrastructure, and provide broad job opportunities.”

He pointed out that success in this endeavor requires “sound management, transparency, and discipline in the face of any attempt to obstruct this process.”

Nisreen / Abdull

Director of the American Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry, Qutaiba Idlbi, welcomed the U.S. Senate’s approval to repeal the Caesar Act as a step toward re-establishing cooperation with the United States based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Idlbi wrote on X that the U.S. Senate’s approval on Friday is “a response to the positive developments taking place in Syria and the constructive efforts to re-establish openness and cooperation with the United States on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.”

He emphasized that Syrian diplomatic efforts will continue to ensure the “full and fair repeal of the Caesar Act,” to lift all forms of sanctions imposed on the Syrian people, and to restore their opportunities for a dignified life and sustainable development.

“Syria is opening a new chapter of partnership and mutual respect, moving toward a future free of sanctions- a future of dignity, development, and prosperity,” Idlbi added.

The Foreign Ministry official thanked members of the U.S. Senate who visited Syria and “courageously contributed to correcting previous policies” in recognition of the Syrian people’s suffering and their aspiration to rise again.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani welcomed the U.S. Senate’s repeal of the Caesar Act as a historic step that opens a new path toward Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.

In a post on X, Minister al-Shaibani commented on the U.S. Senate decision, saying that over the past months, under the guidance of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “has worked to lift one of the heaviest burdens that has constrained our nation economically and politically.”

“This step restores the dignity of the Syrian people and their right to rebuild and shape their future, while reviving the vitality of state institutions to rise and prosper,” al-Shaibani added.

He said that the abolition of the Act represents the beginning of “a new era of construction and revival based on dignity and justice.”

The Foreign Minister pledged to continue working for “the Syria we dream of, in loyalty to our martyrs, the mothers of the missing, the detained, and the orphans, and to every Syrian who suffered from the brutality of the Assad regime.”

Syrian Finance Minister, Mohammad Yusr Barniyeh said that the repeal of the Caesar Act by U.S. Senate represents a major diplomatic achievement for Syria signaling the end of the most severe American sanctions on the country.

Minister Barniyeh wrote on Facebook: “A joyful announcement just moments ago the U.S. Senate has approved, within the Department of Defense budget, a provision to repeal the Caesar Act.

“This decision ultimately reflects the success of Syrian diplomacy in lifting the final and most stringent American sanctions,” he added.

The minister concluded by saying that: “The sanctions are behind us, God willing. Our path forward is one of reconstruction, reform, and development. This is a clear message to all those who doubt Syria’s trajectory and future.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and an accompanying delegation arrived in Beirut on Friday for talks with Lebanese top officials, SANA reporter said.

Minister al-Shaibani will meet with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Foreign Minister Yousef Raji .