Syria’s President Engages with U.S. Congress Member in Historic Meeting

Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Congressman Cory Mills, marking the first visit by U.S. legislators since the ousting of Bashar Assad. The meeting focused on calls for lifting sanctions imposed during the conflict. Mills and Rep. Stutzman toured significant sites and highlighted the need for international support and understanding of Syria’s changes post-Assad.

On Saturday, President Ahmad al-Sharaa of Syria met with Republican Congressman Cory Mills of Florida in a significant first visit from American legislators since the removal of Bashar Assad in December. The Syrian state news agency SANA reported the meeting, which also included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, but did not provide further details. This encounter aligns with recent requests from Syria’s new leadership for the lifting of U.S. and other Western sanctions imposed during the ongoing conflict.

During his unofficial visit commencing on Friday, Mills, accompanied by Rep. Marlin Stutzman from Indiana, explored various historical sites in Damascus, including the ancient quarter and a synagogue that suffered extensive damage amid the prolonged civil strife, estimated to have claimed around half a million lives. On Saturday, Stutzman visited Saydnaya Prison, notorious for the suffering inflicted upon thousands during the Assad family’s decades-long rule, particularly the killings and torture.

The Islamist militia, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led a campaign to seize control of Damascus in December, prompting fears for Assad and his family, who subsequently sought refuge in Russia. Following this political upheaval, the Biden administration opted not to pursue a prior incentive for the capture of al-Sharaa, who had been a prominent figure in al-Qaida’s Syrian branch.

Currently, the Trump administration has not acknowledged the legitimacy of the new Syrian government, nor have sanctions imposed during Assad’s era been lifted. After touring Saydnaya Prison, Stutzman expressed optimism about Syria’s potential under new governance, while emphasizing the significant economic impact that sanction relief could yield. He stated that any decision regarding sanctions lies with President Trump.

Stutzman indicated his willingness to relay the developments in Syria back to colleagues and the President, promoting the necessity of international support to thwart the rise of another dictator. Despite some easing of restrictions for humanitarian assistance, the U.S. Treasury has issued a temporary license allowing select interactions with the new Syrian government involving energy sales. Meanwhile, Syrian officials persist in urging the removal of sanctions, signaling readiness to address minority rights as a condition for further dialogue.

The meeting between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Congressman Cory Mills marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Syria relations following the recent changes in leadership. As discussions around lifting sanctions resume, the engagement of U.S. officials in Syria indicates a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics. The ongoing humanitarian issues and the push for the protection of minority rights must remain central themes as these dialogues unfold, particularly considering the historical context of oppression in the region.

Original Source: www.seattletimes.com