Qatar Calls for Urgent Lifting of Sanctions on Syria

Qatar has urged for the quick lifting of sanctions on Syria post-Assad’s ousting by Islamist rebels. Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated that the reasons for the sanctions have ceased to exist, following the reopening of the Qatari embassy in Damascus. Qatar, a major supporter of the anti-Assad movement, maintains a critical view of his regime, while the international community takes a cautious approach before lifting these sanctions.

Qatar has formally advocated for the swift removal of international sanctions on Syria, following the ousting of President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led groups. Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, emphasized the urgency of lifting sanctions during a regular briefing, stating that the reasons behind these sanctions no longer exist. This appeal for action came shortly after a high-level delegation from Qatar visited Damascus and the recent reopening of the Qatari embassy there, which ended a prolonged rift of 13 years with Syria.

Al-Ansari reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to the cause, illustrating that the sanctions were initially imposed due to the actions of Assad’s regime, which has since changed. Despite being a primary supporter of the uprising against Assad’s government in 2011, Qatar has maintained a critical stance towards him and has been cautious in re-establishing formal relations, unlike several neighboring nations. The international community is deliberating the removal of sanctions but remains cautious, monitoring how the new authorities in Syria will operate before taking definitive action.

The context of Qatar’s plea for lifting sanctions against Syria stems from the long-standing civil conflict that began in 2011, when peaceful protests against President Bashar Assad were met with violent repression. This response led to a multi-sided war, with various factions including Islamist-led rebels emerging to challenge his authority. Qatar, having actively supported these rebel factions, has been at odds with Assad’s government. Recently, with changes in the political landscape following the Islamist-led uprising, Qatar sees an opportunity for reconciliation and is pushing for the alleviation of sanctions that were seen as punitive measures against Assad’s regime. The reopening of the diplomatic mission in Damascus indicates a potential thaw in relations and reconnection with the Syrian state, further solidifying Qatar’s call for lifting sanctions.

In conclusion, Qatar’s recent call for the rapid removal of sanctions on Syria marks a significant shift in its foreign policy, reflecting the evolving political dynamics following the ousting of Assad. As the nation seeks to re-engage with Syria diplomatically, it stresses that the conditions warranting these sanctions are no longer applicable. The international community, however, remains cautious and vigilant regarding the political landscape in Syria and the actions of its new authorities, resulting in a delay in lifting sanctions.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com