US Envoy Tom Barrack meets Syria’s Shara to lift sanctions

WISE NEWS PRESS / DAMASCUS, SYRIA 

US Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack, held a high-level meeting in Damascus with Syrian President Ahmed Shara and Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani. The summit, conducted on behalf of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant shift in US-Syria relations regarding regional stability and post-war reconstruction.

Following the discussions, Barrack expressed "deep concern" via social media over recent escalations in Aleppo, stating that these developments appear to violate the Memorandum of March 10, 2025. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to dialogue to prevent further external interference.

Lifting of economic sanctions

Stating that President Trump views Syria as a "new opportunity," Barrack announced that the United States has agreed to lift long-standing economic sanctions. This move is designed to support a unified Syria where all ethnic and religious groups—including Arabs, Kurds, Druze, Christians, Alawites, Turkmens, and Assyrians—participate equally. The US administration pledged to support President Shara’s efforts in institution building and economic prosperity.

SDF partnership and military integration

Barrack highlighted the enduring partnership between the US and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against ISIS, noting that Operation Inherent Resolve has achieved lasting gains. During the meeting, the Syrian government reaffirmed its commitment to the integration agreement signed in March 2025. This roadmap aims to protect Kurdish rights while consolidating Syria’s sovereignty under a single national army.

Rubio’s team to facilitate cooperation

The US State Department, led by Marco Rubio, expressed readiness to facilitate constructive cooperation between the Damascus government and the SDF. Barrack concluded that the ultimate goal remains a sovereign, unified, and peaceful Syria, calling on neighboring countries and the international community to support this vision.

www.wisenewspress.com