Washington, 25 August (H.S.): The United States has officially removed Syria from its “State Sponsors of Terrorism” list. The decision by the US Department of State took effect following a notification issued by the US Treasury Department. The move comes after an earlier announcement and the completion of the subsequent review process in Congress.

With the decision, the impact of several legal restrictions associated specifically with Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism will come to an end. These restrictions included limitations on US assistance, defence-related exports and certain financial transactions. The move is being viewed as a significant shift in Washington’s policy towards Syria.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has also amended the relevant regulations, confirming Syria’s removal from provisions associated with the State Sponsors of Terrorism designation.

However, the decision does not necessarily mean that all other sanctions imposed on Syria, or on individuals and organisations linked to the country, will automatically be lifted.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar