Canada Eases Syria Sanctions to Support Transition and Aid Efforts
The Canadian government has announced plans to ease sanctions on Syria for six months to support democratisation, stabilisation, and aid delivery during the country’s transition. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly pledged $59 million in humanitarian assistance and allowed limited financial transactions through select banks, including Syria’s central bank. Canada also appointed its ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, as a non-resident ambassador to Syria. While the interim government has vowed to protect minorities, recent violence has resulted in over 1,500 deaths, including 1,068 civilians. Canada urged all parties to prioritize de-escalation and national reconciliation to prevent further instability.
