Reuters reported that the U.S. and UAE are discussing lifting sanctions on Syria

The possibility of lifting sanctions on Syria was discussed by the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was reported by Reuters on December 2, citing U.S., Lebanese, Syrian sources.

It is noted that the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, if he renounces Iran and cuts off arms supply routes to Lebanon's Hezbollah, is more actively considered in recent months due to the expiration of U.S. sanctions on Syria on December 20.

"According to a U.S. source and three Syrian interlocutors, part of the recent U.S.-Emirati talks have centered on Caesar sanctions expiring without renewal," the agency pointed out.

The piece said the UAE has long planned to establish business ties with Syria, which has been hindered by US sanctions.

"A U.S. source familiar with the situation said that White House officials discussed the possibility of an agreement with Emirati officials, citing the UAE's interest in financing Syria's reconstruction and "weakening the position" of Assad after Israel's offensive against Hezbollah," the publication said.

At the same time, the source told the agency that the UAE and Saudi Arabia have offered Assad "financial incentives" in recent months to break relations with Iran. The UAE has also promised to provide funds to help Syria rebuild its destroyed infrastructure. However, Iran has warned Assad "not to go too far".

Earlier, on January 22, the EU Council approved additional restrictions against individuals and entities linked to Syria. The new sanctions measures affected Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's economic adviser, three businessmen supporting the Syrian authorities and two other people who are linked to Assad's family. Also included in the list are Al-Dj Group, Cham Wings, Freebird, Iloma Investment Private JSC and Al-Aqila.

In June 2020, Washington imposed sanctions against 39 individuals and entities in Syria under the so-called Caesar's Law. President Bashar al-Assad, his wife Asma, sister Bushra and younger brother Maher fell under its scope. The measures affect all those who cooperate with them, including those from Russian and Iranian structures that work in the ATS.

In turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the US sanctions against the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR) illegal.

The seizure by the terrorists of the "Islamic State" (banned in Russia. - Ed.) of significant territories of Syria and Iraq in the summer of 2014 became the reason for the beginning of military intervention by the United States and its allies. On September 30, 2015, by agreement with President Bashar al-Assad in coordination with government troops, the Russian Air and Space Forces launched an operation in Syria. In 2018, the main Russian troop grouping was withdrawn from the SAR.