UN Chief Guterres Calls for Immediate Lifting of All Sanctions on Syria

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria, urging the international community to provide robust support for the war-torn nation's recovery.

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Syria is at a crossroads today.

Speaking in Damascus after a two-day visit, Guterres described his trip as "meaningful and productive." He welcomed steps taken to ease sanctions and open avenues for economic recovery, but stressed that "all those sanctions must be immediately lifted."

Syria's new leadership, which took power in December 2024, is striving to revive the economy and rebuild infrastructure and institutions after more than 13 years of conflict. Western nations, including the United States, have begun to lift economic sanctions, but investors remain cautious. The World Bank estimates the post-war reconstruction could cost $216 billion.

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I welcome the steps that have eased sanctions and opened new possibilities for economic recovery, but all those sanctions must be immediately lifted.

Guterres stated that the UN stands with the Syrian people at this critical juncture. He issued a strong appeal for international efforts to support Syrians and their government, emphasizing that the country is "at a crossroads."

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The United Nations stands at this crucial moment with the people of Syria. And I came here with the strongest call to the international community not to spare efforts to support the Syrians and the Syrian government.

As the first UN Secretary-General to visit Syria since 2009, Guterres highlighted the country's needs, including investments in its population, economy, and institutions. He also called for support in restoring essential services, rebuilding infrastructure, and revitalizing livelihoods. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of aid focused on the "safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons."

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Syria needs investment in its people, its economy and its institutions. Syria needs support to restore basic services, rebuild infrastructure, revive livelihoods.