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United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his presidential meeting the coming week.

He was appointed interim leader subsequent to commanding a revolutionary movement that removed the former president in the final month of 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador Mike Waltz at the United Nations stated the United Nations delivered "an emphatic political statement" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a new era" after Assad's removal.

Sharaa was under United Nations restrictions as the leader of the Muslim faction the HTS movement, previously associated with al-Qaeda. America delisted HTS from a list of foreign terror groups this past July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

The UN also removed penalties against the Syrian interior official Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief welcomed the removal of these restrictions, declaring through digital channels: "The nation shows its gratitude to the United States and supportive states for their support the country and its population."

Upcoming White House Meeting

President Sharaa's presidential meeting at the start of the week comes after US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" working toward stability to the previously divided state.

The pair met on their first occasion in May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to Arab nations.

Following that encounter, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background".

His former militant faction was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria prior to breaking relations during 2016.

Prior United States Journey

Monday's visit will not be his initial visit to the US during this period. In September, he became the first Syrian leader to present to the United Nations gathering at UN headquarters in almost 60 years.

Throughout his presentation, he stated the country had been "regaining its deserved status within the global community" while showing support toward Gaza's residents.

• President Sharaa speaks before global body on historic occasion in almost 60 years
• Trump's meeting with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes