In a significant shift in foreign policy, Canada has announced plans to ease its sanctions on Syria, coinciding with a critical political transition in the country. The move signals Ottawa’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and supporting a peaceful, inclusive future for Syria.
On Wednesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed that Canada would allocate 84 million Canadian dollars (approximately $59 million) to fund humanitarian aid for Syria. Additionally, Canada will begin allowing funds to be channeled through select financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Syria, to ensure that aid reaches those in need.
This development comes as the Syrian interim government, which emerged after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad last year by forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seeks international backing. Canada’s move to ease sanctions is seen as an attempt to facilitate the delivery of aid, stimulate local redevelopment efforts, and assist in Syria’s long-term recovery.
Canada’s new policy represents a shift from its previous stance, where sanctions were imposed primarily as a means of exerting pressure on the Assad regime. The Canadian government expressed that the easing of these sanctions would help support the transition to a more stable and democratic Syria.
Alongside this announcement, Canada appointed its ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, to also serve as the non-resident ambassador to Syria. This diplomatic appointment is intended to strengthen Canada’s engagement with the country during this transition period.
The Canadian government has outlined that the easing of sanctions will be temporary, lasting for six months. During this time, Canada aims to support the democratization process, provide stabilization efforts, and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches all areas of Syria, despite the ongoing challenges in the region.
The move comes as the situation in Syria remains volatile. Security forces, particularly those loyal to the former Assad regime, have been accused of committing atrocities against civilians, including Alawite minorities. The United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 1,500 people have died in the past month due to the ongoing violence, with at least 1,068 of them being civilians.
Despite these tragic events, Canada continues to push for national reconciliation and de-escalation, with Foreign Minister Joly calling on all parties involved to work towards preventing further fragmentation and violence in the country.
Canada’s special envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, emphasized that Canada plays a crucial role in helping prevent Syria from descending into chaos and instability. The easing of sanctions and the appointment of a new ambassador are part of Canada’s broader efforts to support Syria’s transition and ensure a more peaceful and stable future for the region.
This announcement reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts and political support for Syria during this critical time of transition.
- Source: ALJAZEERA
