The 45-day congressional review of Syria’s removal from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism was completed Saturday. Jihad Makdissi, an adviser on U.S. affairs to Syria’s Foreign Ministry, said the end of this stage removed a significant procedural obstacle.
However, Makdissi said the completion of the congressional review did not mean Syria had been removed from the list. The process requires an official decision by the U.S. secretary of state and publication of that decision in the Federal Register.
Expected economic impact
Makdissi said progress in the process could ease restrictions linked to the list and send a positive signal to international financial institutions, companies and governments.
Makdissi noted that the change could support investment, trade and banking transactions, but warned that other restrictions on Syria would remain subject to separate legal processes.
Executive procedures next
Makdissi said the next stage would focus on completing executive procedures and addressing the remaining restrictions. He said the process aims to open Syria to greater economic and political engagement.
Process began after talks in Ankara
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and U.S. President Donald Trump met in Ankara on July 8 on the sidelines of the NATO Summit.
Trump gave al-Sharaa an official letter notifying Congress of his decision to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. The notification launched the 45-day congressional review process.