OMM Redaksiyası
Japan announced on Tuesday that it was partially lifting sanctions on Syria, signaling support for the government of President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Japan’s top government spokesman, Kihara Minoru, said many of the entities removed from the sanctions list were expected to play a role in Syria’s reconstruction, state-run NHK reported.
“Stability and development in Syria are directly linked to stability across the entire Middle East,” Kihara told reporters, adding that Tokyo “intends to support the country.”
Japan removes 16 Syrian entities from sanctions list
The decision was approved by the Japanese Cabinet. Tokyo had imposed sanctions on the administration of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in 2011.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry said the decision reflected “subsequent developments” in Syria and the relationship between Tokyo and Damascus. It described the move as a “partial lifting of the asset freezing and other measures.”
Sixteen of the 31 entities previously subject to sanctions were removed from the list. They include Syria’s ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as oil companies and financial institutions.
Diplomatic ties restored
Syria and Japan restored diplomatic ties last December after a 15-year break, according to NHK. The restoration came a year after al-Sharaa formed a government following the ousting of Assad in December 2024.
Sanctions remain in place against 59 individuals and 15 entities, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.
