The 45-day congressional review period in the process of removing Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism ended Saturday. Cihad Makdisi, an adviser on US affairs to Syria’s Foreign Ministry, announced that completing this stage removed a significant procedural obstacle.
Makdisi stressed that the end of the congressional review does not mean Syria has been removed from the list. The final step requires the US secretary of state to issue an official decision and have it published in the Federal Register.
Potential impact on Syria’s economy
According to Makdisi, progress in the process could help ease restrictions linked to the list. The development is expected to send a positive signal to international financial institutions, companies and governments.
The change could facilitate investment, trade and banking transactions and help Syria open up to broader economic and political engagement. However, Makdisi warned that other restrictions on Syria will remain subject to separate legal processes.
Executive procedures are the next step
Makdisi said the next phase would focus on completing executive procedures and addressing the remaining restrictions. The next step in the list-related process will therefore move to formal actions by the US administration.
Meeting in Ankara launched the process
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump met on July 8 on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara.
Trump gave al-Sharaa an official letter notifying Congress of his decision to remove Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. This notification initiated the 45-day congressional review process.
