UK Removes Sanctions on Syria’s Defence and Interior Ministries

London (Eurotoday) – The United Kingdom has lifted asset freezes previously imposed on Syria’s Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and several intelligence agencies, rolling back sanctions established during Bashar al-Assad’s tenure.

The move comes as Western governments reassess their approach to Syria following the December ousting of Assad by the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, effectively bringing an end to more than 13 years of civil war.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, serving as Syria’s Interim President, has made repeated appeals for the removal of Western sanctions implemented to isolate Assad throughout the conflict. While the European Union has softened certain measures targeting Syria’s central bank, it has maintained the majority of sanctions. The United States, meanwhile, has stated that its sanctions on the Syrian central bank remain in full force.

Is the UK Reassessing its Syria Policy?

The UK’s finance ministry officially announced the removal of asset freezes on 12 Syrian entities, notably including the Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as the General Intelligence Directorate.

This follows an earlier UK decision, made two months ago, to lift sanctions on Syria’s central bank and 23 other organizations—among them financial institutions and oil companies—as part of a broader reversal of penalties tied to Assad-era policies.

“We are lifting asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities that were previously used by the Assad regime to fund the oppression of the Syrian people,”

a spokesperson from the Foreign Office stated at the time.

“At the same time, sanctions on members of the Assad regime and those involved in the illicit trade in captagon remain in place.”

Why Are Captagon Sanctions Still Active?

Captagon, a highly addictive stimulant with amphetamine-like effects, has been widely produced in Syria under Assad’s rule. According to a notice published on the British government’s website, financial institutions such as the Central Bank of Syria, the Commercial Bank of Syria, and the Agricultural Cooperative Bank have been officially removed from the sanctions list.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the UK’s recent decision, calling it a “positive” development that will aid in revitalizing the country’s struggling economy.


Comments

7 responses to “UK Removes Sanctions on Syria’s Defence and Interior Ministries”

  1. lady in red Avatar
    lady in red

    Removing sanctions? Brilliant move, UK! It’s not like the last 13 years of civil war taught us anything about funding oppression. 🤦‍♂️ Let’s just hope they don’t start selling tickets to the next regime! 🎟️

  2. buckshot Avatar

    Oh brilliant, just what we needed—lifting sanctions on the very folks who made “oppression” an Olympic sport. Can’t wait for the new tourism campaign: “Visit Syria, where the defense ministry is now open for business!” 🇬🇧💼

  3. Killer Curio Avatar
    Killer Curio

    Isn’t it just lovely how the UK has decided to play nice with Syria’s defense and interior ministries? I suppose the tea must be really good for diplomacy these days! ☕️😏

  4. suicide crusher Avatar
    suicide crusher

    Oh brilliant! Just what we needed—lifting sanctions on the same folks who apparently specialize in “oppression and charm”. Let’s hope the tea’s as strong as the irony in this decision! ☕️🙃

  5. dr. wmd Avatar

    Removing sanctions? Brilliant strategy! Next, let’s invite the Ministry of Defense to our next tea party while we’re at it. ☕️🇬🇧 #MakeSyriaGreatAgain

  6. Phoenix Sparrow Avatar
    Phoenix Sparrow

    Oh, brilliant! Just what we needed—lifting sanctions on the very folks who perfected the art of oppression. Who knew the UK was so keen on a “fresh start” with the Assad fan club? 🍵🙄

  7. Sir Shark Avatar
    Sir Shark

    Seems like the UK’s just rolled out the welcome mat for Syria’s Defence and Interior Ministries—perfect timing for a rebranding! Who knew that asset freezes were just an extended coffee break? ☕️🙄

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