Canada Eases Sanctions on Syria

Canada announced on Thursday a temporary easing of financial sanctions on Syria for six months and appointed a non-resident ambassador to Damascus.

According to a statement from the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this move aims to support humanitarian efforts, promote democratic transition, and enhance stability in Syria. Canada also pledged $84 million in new humanitarian aid for the war-torn country.

As part of the decision, Canada issued a permit allowing financial transactions to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and support stability, including dealings with seven state-owned Syrian banks.

In addition, Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Stephanie McCollum, was appointed as a non-resident ambassador to Syria to strengthen diplomatic communication with regional and international actors.

Omar Alghabra, Canada's Special Envoy to Syria, expressed optimism about Canada's role in helping the Syrian people build a stable future, emphasizing the country's commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and long-term peace in the region.

This decision comes after the European Union announced the suspension of certain sanctions on Syria's energy and transport sectors and removed four Syrian banks and Syrian Airlines from its sanctions list.