US remove Syria from ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ list — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has removed Syria from its list of “state sponsors of terrorism”; a move the Syrian government says will remove a major obstacle to investment and the country’s reintegration into the global financial and economic system. Reuters reported Monday, citing the US Treasury Department, that the decision took effect after a 45-day congressional review period. US President Donald Trump had notified Congress on July 8 of his decision to remove Syria from the list. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision was made in recognition of “positive actions taken and further commitments” by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to “fully distance Syria from acts of international terrorism”. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani had previously told Reuters that his government hoped the removal of the designation would help Syria rejoin the global financial and economic system and attract more foreign investment. Syria had been on the US list of “state sponsors of terrorism” since 1979.