Syrian President Engages with U.S. Lawmakers Amid Calls for Sanctions Relief

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Congressman Cory Mills, the first congressional visit since Assad’s ouster. Mills and Stutzman toured Damascus, including a notorious prison. The discussions revolve around potential sanctions relief as Syria’s new leadership seeks to establish itself. U.S. officials express cautious optimism about the changes in Syria and the possibility of improved relations pending advancements in governmental reforms.

On Saturday, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with U.S. Congressman Cory Mills, marking the first visit by American legislators to Syria since the removal of former leader Bashar Assad. Although the state news agency SANA did not detail the meeting, it noted the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. This meeting follows calls from Syria’s new leadership for the alleviation of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Western nations early in the Syrian conflict.

Congressman Mills, accompanied by Congressman Marlin Stutzman, commenced their unofficial visit on Friday, exploring various cultural sites in Damascus, including the old quarter and a historically significant synagogue that sustained damage during the protracted conflict. Stutzman further visited Saydnaya Prison, notorious for its history of violence and torture amid the Assad regime’s rule.

Al-Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was instrumental in the December capture of Damascus, which resulted in the ousting of Assad. Subsequently, the Biden administration opted to retract its previously issued $10 million reward for al-Sharaa’s capture, following his meeting with U.S. diplomat Barbara Leaf, who led the first American diplomatic mission to post-Assad Syria.

The Trump administration has yet to officially recognize the new Syrian government while maintaining stringent sanctions against the country. Post-Assad, the U.S. did, however, relax certain restrictions to facilitate humanitarian aid, including a six-month general license permitting specific transactions with the Syrian government.

Following his visit to the prison, Stutzman shared his observations of increased energy and optimism among the Syrian populace. He highlighted the potential economic benefits of lifting sanctions, suggesting that such a decision ultimately resides with President Trump. “As a member of Congress, I can go back home and share with my colleagues… and we want to be here to support that,” he remarked. The new Syrian authorities are under pressure to demonstrate respect for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities as part of the dialogue surrounding sanctions relief.

Stutzman stated, “I think lifting the sanctions will be very beneficial,” acknowledging the widespread sentiment among those he encountered about the necessity of alleviating sanctions.

The meeting between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Congressman Cory Mills signifies a potential turning point in U.S.-Syria relations following the end of Assad’s regime. As discussions of sanctions relief unfold, the new Syrian government faces expectations to safeguard minority rights. The optimism expressed by U.S. lawmakers indicates an evolving landscape that may reshape diplomatic ties if steps toward reform are observed.

Original Source: www.seattletimes.com