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3h ago

Al-Sharaa Presses for Sanctions Relief With UN Debut as Syria Sets Oct. 5 Parliamentary Vote

Promises of UN access on sectarian killings meet doubts over restrictive electoral rules, with U.S. Caesar sanctions still in place.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the United Nations (UN) General Assembly during the 80th session of the annual event on September 24, 2025, in New York City. This year’s theme for the annual global meeting is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.” (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Appearing at the UN General Assembly for the first Syrian head-of-state visit since 1967, Ahmad al-Sharaa called for the complete lifting of international sanctions.
  • Most EU and U.S. Syria sanctions were eased earlier in 2025, yet the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act remains active and any repeal hinges on the U.S. Congress.
  • Al-Sharaa vowed to hold perpetrators of this year’s sectarian killings to account, announced fact-finding missions, and granted the UN authority to investigate.
  • Syria’s parliamentary vote is scheduled for October 5, with critics highlighting the exclusion of two minorities in three regions, 121 seats picked by bodies linked to the presidency, and remaining seats appointed by al-Sharaa.
  • U.S.-led talks with Israel now focus on a security arrangement referencing the 1974 disengagement framework, as a September 18 poll shows 56% of Syrians see the country moving in the right direction and 61% favor a democratic system.