🔗 Share this article UN Ends Restrictions on Syrian President Before Presidential Visit The UN Security Council gave the green light to a US resolution ending penalties on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before his presidential meeting the coming week. He was appointed transitional president following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that removed the former president in the final month of 2024, ending over a decade of domestic strife. Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a new era" since Assad was deposed. Sharaa was under UN sanctions in his role as head of the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once connected to al-Qaeda. America delisted the group from its registry of foreign terror groups in July. More Penalties Removed Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The Syrian diplomatic chief applauded the lifting of these restrictions, posting on social media: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and to friendly nations for backing the Syrian nation and citizens." Upcoming White House Meeting The Syrian leader's Washington trip this coming Monday follows President Trump remarked that Sharaa had made "good progress" in establishing peace to the war-torn country. Following their discussion, Trump remarked the Syrian leader possessed "a genuine opportunity for national reconciliation". Both presidents held discussions initially during May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to the Middle East. After that meeting, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past". His former militant faction was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria until he severed ties during 2016. Prior United States Journey The upcoming meeting is not Sharaa's first trip to America in the current year. In September, he made history as the initial Syrian president to speak before the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters for nearly six decades. In his speech, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" while showing support with the people of Gaza. President Sharaa speaks before global body initially following approximately sixty years Trump's meeting with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations