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The UN Security Council approved to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his Washington trip the coming week.

He was appointed provisional head of state following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that drove out Bashar al-Assad in winter 2024, concluding 13 years of civil war.

The US representative to the UN Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "an emphatic political statement" that acknowledged Syria entered "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

Previously, he faced UN sanctions in his role as head of the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously associated with al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations this past July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief applauded the lifting of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and supportive states for their support of Syria and its people."

Imminent Washington Talks

Sharaa's White House visit this coming Monday follows President Trump remarked that Sharaa demonstrated "substantial headway" working toward stability to the previously divided state.

The two leaders convened for the first time this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to the Middle East.

Following that encounter, America's leader characterized the Syrian as a "strong individual" possessing a "powerful background".

The HTS organization he led served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country before he cut connections during 2016.

Previous US Visit

Monday's visit will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US during this period. This past fall, he became the initial Syrian president to address the global assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "restoring its proper position across international circles" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion in almost 60 years
• The presidential discussion with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes