US House Approves Repeal of Caesar Act and Syrians Celebrate Lifting of Sanctions

SadaNews - The U.S. House of Representatives approved yesterday, Wednesday, the repeal of the Caesar Act, which has imposed sanctions on Syria since 2019, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

The vote was passed with a majority, and the new law requires the U.S. President to submit an initial report to Congress committees within 90 days, followed by reports every 180 days for four years, regarding Syria's steps in combating terrorist organizations, respecting minority rights, refraining from unilateral military actions against neighboring countries, fighting money laundering and terrorism financing, pursuing crimes against humanity committed by the previous regime, in addition to combating drug production.

If Syria fails to meet these conditions during two consecutive reporting periods, specific sanctions may be re-imposed on certain entities.

The bill is set to move to the Senate for a vote before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature to become law.

The Caesar Act, approved by Congress on December 11, 2019, is a measure to hold members of the former President Bashar al-Assad's regime accountable for war crimes committed against civilians.

Repealing the law could pave the way for the return of foreign investments and aid, supporting the new Syrian administration.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader Hossari, confirmed that lifting sanctions will be a crucial step towards integrating Syria into the global banking system, noting that the law has affected the bank's ability to manage monetary policy and provide liquidity.

Following the vote, Syrians took to the streets in several cities to celebrate the lifting of sanctions. Widespread celebrations occurred in Al-Omayyad Square in Damascus, while revelers gathered in Clock Square in Homs, and marches took place in Latakia and Hama, chanting joyful slogans about the repeal of the Caesar Act and the glimmer of hope it represents for reviving the economy and alleviating the suffering of Syrians.