President Trump lifts longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria

President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, ending restrictions that had been in place for decades and signaling a shift in U.S. policy toward the country’s new leadership.

The order revokes a 2004 national emergency declaration concerning Syria and nullifies five related executive orders.

“The United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors,” the order stated.

“A united Syria that does not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations and ensures the security of its religious and ethnic minorities will support regional security and prosperity,” it added.