Skip to main content

US Syria Envoy ‘categorically rejects’ statement by UN rapporteur about Caesar Sanctions

US Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn says the blame for Syria’s economic and humanitarian crises rest with Assad, not the US, after Alena Douhan of the UN Human Rights Council said the Caesar Act is hurting Syrians' chances to rebuild infrastructure and live comfortably.
Syrian workers take part in the reconstruction of the Hatab Square in the Jdaideh neighbourhood in Aleppo's Old City on October 17, 2020. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

A statement released by US Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn "categorically" rejected claims by the UN Special Rapporteur blaming Syria’s economic and humanitarian crisis on US sanctions.

The blame is not US policy, but rather Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s "brutal war" against his own people, said Rayburn in a statement posted on the US Embassy in Syria website.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.