New York – Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has called on the United States Congress to fully lift sanctions on Syria, arguing that they unfairly punish ordinary citizens rather than the former regime.
Speaking in an interview with retired U.S. General David Petraeus, Sharaa welcomed former President Donald Trump’s earlier move to ease restrictions but said further steps were necessary to allow the Syrian economy to recover.
“The sanctions put a burden on people who have already suffered from the former regime’s oppression,” Sharaa said. He stressed that the measures imposed on the Assad government had lost their justification and were now widely perceived by Syrians as being directed at them.
Highlighting the resilience of the Syrian workforce, the president expressed confidence in the country’s economic potential if external barriers were removed. “We have a big mission to build the economy,” Sharaa noted. “Syria has a diverse workforce. They love to work, it’s in its genes. So don’t be worried, just lift the sanctions and you will see the results.”
Sharaa’s appeal comes as Syria seeks international re-engagement after years of isolation and conflict. His remarks underscore a broader push by Damascus to secure economic relief and attract investment while portraying itself as committed to national rebuilding.
