Syria's President in NYC: A Plea to End US Sanctions and a Historic UN Address

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to New York marks a significant moment. This is the first time a Syrian leader has attended the UN General Assembly in nearly six decades. His primary focus? Urging the US to formally lift sanctions imposed under the 2019 Caesar Act.

Key Events:

• Meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio: The meeting touched upon counterterrorism efforts, locating missing Americans, and the importance of Israel-Syria relations for regional security. While the State Department readout mentioned the opportunity to build a stable Syria, the issue of remaining sanctions was not directly addressed.
• A Historic UN Address: President Sharaa is set to deliver his first address at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
• Talks with Israel: President Sharaa stated that talks with Israel are at an advanced stage, aiming to preserve Syria's sovereignty while addressing Israeli security concerns. Senator Lindsey Graham indicated support for lifting sanctions if a security deal is reached and Syria joins a coalition against ISIS.
• Debate over the Caesar Act: Members of Congress are debating the repeal of the Caesar Act, with some advocating for its inclusion as an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act.
• The Economy: President Sharaa emphasized the importance of lifting sanctions to rebuild Syria's economy, highlighting the country's capable workforce.

Image: <img src="https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-and-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-meet-in-new-york/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjU6bmV3c21sX1JDMjVYR0ExRTZNWg%3D%3D/?utm_medium=rcom-article-media&utm_campaign=rcom-rcp-lead" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meet in New York">

This visit represents a potential shift from conflict to dialogue, a significant development in the long-standing conflict. The outcome of these discussions will greatly impact Syria's future and its relationship with the international community.