JAKARTA - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday urged the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria during the era of the ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad.
"I welcome the steps that have eased sanctions, and opened up new possibilities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be lifted immediately," Guterres said at a press conference in Damascus, launching Al Arabiya from AFP (27/7).
Syria's new government, which takes power in December 2024, is seeking to turn a new page after more than 13 years of war, and to revive the economy and rebuild infrastructure and institutions.
Western countries including the United States have begun lifting economic sanctions against Syria. However, investors remain cautious, as the World Bank estimates that the country's post-war reconstruction could cost $216 billion.
"The United Nations stands with the Syrian people at this crucial time. And I come with a strong appeal to the international community, an appeal not to waste any effort to support the Syrian people and support the Syrian government," said Secretary-General Guterres.
"Syria is currently at a crossroads," he added.
Guterres is the first UN chief to visit Syria since his predecessor, Ban Ki-moon, in 2009, two years before the start of the Syrian war that killed half a million people.
"Syria needs investment in its people, economy, and institutions. Syria needs support to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, and revive livelihoods," he said.
Syria also needs assistance "for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons," he added.
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