New York
Asaad al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Syrian Interim Government, hoists his country’s flag at the United Nations headquarters on Friday, marking what he described as a pivotal moment in Syria’s diplomatic reemergence on the international stage.
In remarks reported by Al Jazeera, al-Shaibani said, “Raising the new Syrian flag at the United Nations headquarters crowns the victory and revolution of the people, strengthens Syria’s role in international organisations and forums, and opens a new phase of effective diplomatic presence.”
The minister urged the international community to heed the demands of the Syrian people, emphasising that the interim administration is open to dialogue with all nations.
Al-Shaibani also reiterated calls for an end to economic sanctions on Syria, arguing that the original justifications for those measures no longer apply. He claimed the current sanctions primarily harm the Syrian population and stressed the need to lift them to help restore economic stability and rebuild public trust.
The Syrian foreign minister is expected to participate in an upcoming United Nations Security Council session focused on the Syrian issue.
Meanwhile, last Saturday, The Magazine reported that the United States submitted a document outlining eight conditions the Syrian Interim Government must fulfil for Washington to consider lifting its sanctions on Damascus.
Among the stipulations, according to The Magazine, is a demand for the interim government to publicly ban all Palestinian factions and their political activities in Syria. The document also includes a condition permitting the U.S. to target individuals within Syria whom it deems a threat to its security.
Additional American demands reportedly include the formal designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation and measures to prevent Tehran from reestablishing its foothold in Syria.
Washington is also said to have requested the handover of ISIS members’ families currently held in the al-Hawl camp, located in the countryside of al-Hasakah Governorate in northeastern Syria.
