Washington: The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism after nearly 47 years, while also delisting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the former group of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, from its international terrorism list.
According to a foreign news agency, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision recognised the Syrian government’s declaration of a complete break with terrorist groups.
The move brings an end to Syria’s nearly 47-year designation on the US list of states accused of sponsoring terrorism.
The United States has also removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formerly associated with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, from its list of international terrorist organisations.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani welcomed the US decision and described it as a historic step.
Al-Shaibani said the Syrian government would continue working to establish an environment based on transparency, mutual interests and respect.
The development comes as negotiations between Syria and Israel remain suspended.
A day earlier, the Syrian foreign minister announced the suspension of talks with Israel, saying Damascus’ immediate priority was to halt Israeli aggression before reaching any security agreement.
Al-Shaibani said negotiations with Israel could not continue under the current circumstances.
