Canada Removes Syria from the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism

The Canadian government announced on Friday evening the removal of Syria from the list of foreign state sponsors of terrorism, in addition to removing Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham from the list of designated terrorist entities, following a comprehensive political and security review.

The government said in a statement that the step “comes in line with similar measures taken by a number of allies in recent months,” noting that the decision is linked to “the efforts undertaken by the Syrian Interim Government to enhance stability in the country, build a more inclusive and secure future for its citizens, and cooperate with international partners in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.”

The statement added that the decision falls within the framework of a “periodic review” conducted by the government of its foreign policies, affirming that “the safety and security of Canadian citizens will remain a top priority.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian Interim Government welcomed the decision, considering it “a positive development that reflects a growing recognition of the impact of sanctions on the lives of Syrians and their vital sectors.”

The ministry affirmed Syria’s readiness to “cooperate with various international partners in support of efforts for economic recovery and reconstruction, and to contribute to strengthening security and stability at the regional and international levels.”