UNITED NATIONS, May 21 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Wednesday welcomed the lifting of sanctions by Western countries against Syria.
In his briefing to the Security Council, Pedersen noted that U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week that he would order the cessation of sanctions on Syria.
The European Union on Tuesday also announced the lifting of its economic sanctions on Syria. Britain revoked its previous sanctions regime last month, he added.
"I have long called for bold steps on sanctions, as have millions of Syrians in and outside the country, and I warmly welcome these international steps," said Pedersen via a video link from Damascus.
He also welcomed the support extended by regional countries to Syria, most notably Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar, including efforts to resolve Syria's outstanding obligations to international financial institutions, support in the payment of public-sector salaries, and ensuring the provision of critical energy resources, in addition to initiatives on sanctions relief.
"These are indeed historic developments. They hold major potential to improve living conditions across the country and to support the Syrian political transition," said Pedersen. ■
