Politico: The US State and Treasury Departments are considering easing economic sanctions on Syria

Politico revealed that the US State and Treasury Departments are considering plans to ease economic sanctions on Syria.

The American newspaper reported that a letter sent by senior US State Department official Paul Guaglianone to Elizabeth Warren, a senior member of the US Senate Banking Committee, earlier this month revealed heated discussions about the possibility of the US administration approaching Syria and establishing relations between the two sides.

In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Politico, Guaglianone said, “The end of the Assad regime’s brutal and repressive rule presents a historic opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild their country free from Iranian and Russian influence.”

He noted in this regard that the US moved last January to issue general licenses- effectively a tailored exemption to certain sanctions — to facilitate the provision of essential services, and said the U.S. is considering issuing more.

In his letter, Guaglianone added that the State Department, in coordination with the Treasury Department, is considering a package of additional options to support U.S. policy objectives, including additional waivers and licenses, as well as assistance from foreign partners and allies.

The newspaper noted that analysts and diplomats believe that promoting economic development during this critical transitional phase in Syria and embracing the country’s new leadership could help the country recover and may even assist the United States in finally crushing the terrorist organization ISIS.

The newspaper noted that Warren and Senator Joe Wilson responded to Guaglianone’s letter, and that their letter demonstrated bipartisan interest in pushing the Trump administration to reset US relations with Syria.