🔗 Share this article UN Lifts Restrictions on Syrian President Ahead of Presidential Visit Security Council representatives approved to a US resolution removing restrictions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his presidential meeting the coming week. He became provisional head of state following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that removed the former president in winter 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of domestic strife. America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster. Previously, he faced UN sanctions while commanding the Islamist group HTS, once connected to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of foreign terror groups during July. More Penalties Removed Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and allied countries for their support the Syrian nation and citizens." Upcoming White House Meeting The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday comes after President Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation. After the meeting, Trump remarked the Syrian leader had "a legitimate chance at pulling it together". The pair met initially in May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through the region. After that meeting, Trump portrayed Sharaa as a "tough guy" having a "formative history". His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch in Syria prior to breaking relations during 2016. Earlier American Trip Monday's visit will not be the president's debut journey to the US this year. During September, he became the first Syrian leader to present to the global assembly at UN headquarters in almost 60 years. In his speech, he said Syria was "regaining its deserved status within the global community" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza. President Sharaa addresses UN General Assembly for first time after nearly six decades The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, previously unimaginable, boosts Syrians' hopes