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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for the immediate removal of all sanctions imposed on Syria during the rule of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, as he concluded a two-day visit to the war-torn country.
“I welcome steps that have eased sanctions and opened new possibilities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be removed immediately,” Gaconerence in Damascus.
Syria’s new authorities, who came to power in December 2024, are seeking to turn the page on more than 13 years of war and revive the country’s devastated economy, infrastructure and public institutions.
Several Western countries, including the United States, have begun easing or lifting economic sanctions on Syria.However, investors remain cautious.
The World Bank has estimated that rebuilding the country could cost around $216 billion.
“The United Nations stands with the people of Syria at this pivotal moment,” Guterres said, urging the international community to make every possible effort to support the Syrian people and government.
“Syria today is at a crossroads,” he added.
Guterres is the first UN secretary-general to visit Syria since his predecessor Ban Ki-moon travelled to the country in 2009—two years before the outbreak of the war, which claimed around half a million lives.
“Syria needs investment in its people, its economy and its institutions,” Guterres said. He called for international support to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure and revive livelihoods.
He also stressed the need for assistance to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced people.
