Canada announced plans Wednesday to ease its financial sanctions against Syria and to appoint an ambassador, as the Damascus interim government seeks international support.
Publish dateThursday 13 March 2025 - 10:34
Story Code : 310085
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): “Canada can play a meaningful role in empowering Syrians to build an inclusive country that respects all its citizens,” said Omar Al-Ghabbra, Canada’s special envoy for Syria.
We can also help prevent Syria from descending into chaos and instability.
The sanctions will be eased to allow funds to be sent through certain banks in the country, such as the Central Bank of Syria, a statement from Canada’s foreign ministry said.
Stephanie McCollum, Canada’s ambassador to Lebanon, will now take on a parallel role as non-resident ambassador to neighboring Syria.
“These sanctions have been used as a tool against the Assad regime, and their easing will help ensure the sustained and sustainable delivery of aid, support local reconstruction efforts, and contribute to Syria’s rapid recovery,” the Canadian statement said.
Assad fled Syria late last year and was ousted by opposition forces in early December. An interim government has now been formed under the leadership of former jihadist president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Many capitals welcomed Assad's fall, but only cautiously welcomed the victorious rebels.
The new government has vowed to protect Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, but security forces have reportedly killed hundreds of Alawite civilians in recent days.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joy and International Development Minister Ahmed Hussein expressed concern about the killings in a statement announcing the lifting of sanctions.
"We condemn these crimes in the strongest terms and call on the interim authorities to take all necessary steps to end the violence," they said.
Civilians must be protected, the dignity and human rights of all religious and ethnic groups must be upheld, and perpetrators must be held accountable.
We can also help prevent Syria from descending into chaos and instability.
The sanctions will be eased to allow funds to be sent through certain banks in the country, such as the Central Bank of Syria, a statement from Canada’s foreign ministry said.
Stephanie McCollum, Canada’s ambassador to Lebanon, will now take on a parallel role as non-resident ambassador to neighboring Syria.
“These sanctions have been used as a tool against the Assad regime, and their easing will help ensure the sustained and sustainable delivery of aid, support local reconstruction efforts, and contribute to Syria’s rapid recovery,” the Canadian statement said.
Assad fled Syria late last year and was ousted by opposition forces in early December. An interim government has now been formed under the leadership of former jihadist president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Many capitals welcomed Assad's fall, but only cautiously welcomed the victorious rebels.
The new government has vowed to protect Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, but security forces have reportedly killed hundreds of Alawite civilians in recent days.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joy and International Development Minister Ahmed Hussein expressed concern about the killings in a statement announcing the lifting of sanctions.
"We condemn these crimes in the strongest terms and call on the interim authorities to take all necessary steps to end the violence," they said.
Civilians must be protected, the dignity and human rights of all religious and ethnic groups must be upheld, and perpetrators must be held accountable.
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