UK lifts sanctions on Syrian ministries, intelligence agencies
It marks the second raft of sanctions on Syria lifted by the United Kingdom since the toppling of long-time dictator Bashar Al-Assad in December and the formation of a new government.
The United Kingdom has lifted asset freezes on Syria’s Defense and Interior Ministries as well as some of its broadcasters and intelligence agencies, according to a statement by the British Treasury released Thursday.
The statement from the Treasury said asset freezes were revoked for the following entities:
- Air Force Intelligence Agency
- Army Supply Bureau
- General Intelligence Directorate
- General Organization of Radio and TV
- Military Intelligence Directorate
- Ministry of Defense
- Ministry of Interior
- Political Security Directorate
- Syrian National Security Bureau
- Cham Press TV
- Sama TV
- Al Watan
The statement did not give a reason for the delisting. Al-Monitor has contacted the UK Treasury for further comment.
Why it matters: Western states are now changing their policies toward Syria after rebels led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham overthrew President Bashar Al-Assad and seized power on Dec. 8, after more than 13 years of civil war. The Assad dynasty's iron-fisted rule over Syria lasted for more than five decades and ended with Assad and his family fleeing to Moscow.
