Qatar has called for the quick lifting of sanctions on Syria after the removal of President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led rebels, citing that the reasons for the sanctions are no longer valid. This request follows the reopening of the Qatari embassy in Damascus and is part of Qatar’s continued support for opposition forces since 2011. The international community is cautious, awaiting further developments before addressing the sanctions issue.
On Tuesday, Qatar urged for an expedited removal of international sanctions imposed on Syria following the ousting of President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led insurgents. Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, emphasized the urgency of this action during a routine briefing. Qatar’s appeal coincided with a visit from a high-ranking delegation to Damascus and the recent reopening of its embassy there after a prolonged 13-year estrangement with Syria.
Al-Ansari stated, “Qatar’s position is clear. It’s necessary to lift the sanctions quickly, given that what led to these sanctions is no longer there and that what led to these sanctions were the crimes of the former regime.” Qatar has long been a significant supporter of the rebellion against Assad’s regime, which violently suppressed peaceful protests beginning in 2011. Unlike some neighboring countries, Qatar consistently criticized Assad and refrained from reinstating diplomatic ties despite Syria’s reacceptance into the Arab League.
The international community remains hesitant to lift sanctions, opting to monitor the behavior of the new authorities in Syria before taking any action. This cautious approach reflects the complex and sensitive political landscape in the region, where sanctions have been a key diplomatic tool.
The article discusses Qatar’s recent call for the unconditional lifting of sanctions against Syria, stemming from the political changes after the fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime. The sanctions were initially imposed due to the government’s violent crackdown on protests, which led to significant unrest and armed rebellion starting in 2011. Qatar has been a leading advocate of rebel forces and has historically maintained a critical stance against Assad, contributing to the longstanding diplomatic rift with Syria. The article also highlights the international community’s cautious approach in reevaluating the sanctions in light of recent developments, emphasizing the need to analyze the new governing authorities’ actions in Syria.
In summary, Qatar has called for the swift removal of sanctions against Syria following the regime change brought about by Islamist-led rebels. The Qatari government’s position, articulated by foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari, underscores that previous justifications for the sanctions are no longer valid. As the region navigates a fragile political landscape, the international community remains watchful of developments in Syria before making any definitive moves regarding the sanctions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
