Guterres Calls for Syria Sanctions to Be Lifted

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the immediate removal of all sanctions imposed on Syria during the rule of former president Bashar al-Assad, saying the restrictions continue to hinder the country’s recovery.

Speaking at a press conference in Damascus on Sunday at the end of a two-day visit, Guterres welcomed recent moves by some countries to ease sanctions but said further action was urgently needed.

“I welcome steps that have eased sanctions and opening new possibilities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be removed immediately,” Guterres said. 

He said the lifting of some restrictions had created opportunities for economic recovery, but stressed that all remaining sanctions should be removed without delay.

Syria’s new authorities, who took power in December 2024, are trying to turn the page after more than 13 years of war. 

Guterres urged the international community to intensify support for both the Syrian people and the new government, describing the country as being at a critical turning point.

According to Guterres, Syria requires significant investment in its people, economy and institutions, alongside efforts to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure and revive livelihoods.

“The United Nations stands with the people of Syria at this pivotal moment. And I came carrying the strongest possible appeal to the international community, an appeal to spare no effort to support the Syrian people and to support the Syrian government,” Guterres said.

“Syria today is at a crossroads.

“Syria needs investment in its people, its economy and its institutions. Syria needs support to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, revive livelihoods,” he said.

He also called for greater international support to facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced people.

Western countries, including the United States, have begun easing economic sanctions on Syria. However, investors have remained cautious, with the World Bank estimating that rebuilding the war-torn country could cost about $216 billion.

Guterres is the first serving UN secretary-general to visit Syria since his predecessor, Ban Ki-moon, travelled to the country in 2009, two years before the conflict began, leaving an estimated half a million people dead.