🔗 Share this article United Nations Lifts Penalties on President of Syria Before Presidential Visit United Nations Security Council members approved to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his presidential meeting the following week. He became provisional head of state subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that removed Bashar al-Assad in the final month of 2024, concluding over a decade of domestic strife. America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster. Sharaa was under global penalties as the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously associated with al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of global extremist entities during July. Further Restrictions Lifted Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister the interior minister. The nation's top diplomat welcomed the removal of these restrictions, posting on social media: "The nation shows its gratitude to the United States and supportive states for their support of Syria and its people." Upcoming White House Meeting The Syrian leader's Washington trip this coming Monday comes after President Trump said the Syrian leader achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation. Subsequent to their talks, Trump remarked the Syrian leader possessed "a genuine opportunity to unify the country". The pair met for the first time during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through Arab nations. Following that encounter, Trump portrayed the Syrian as a "strong individual" possessing a "powerful background". The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria before he cut connections during 2016. Prior United States Journey Monday's visit will not be Sharaa's first trip to the United States during this period. In September, he emerged as the first Syrian leader to speak before the global assembly at UN headquarters for nearly six decades. During his address, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza. President Sharaa addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion after nearly six decades Trump's meeting with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations