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United Nations Security Council members voted in favour to an American proposal removing restrictions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria ahead of his presidential meeting next week.

He became provisional head of state following his leadership in a rebel offensive that drove out the former president in December 2024, concluding thirteen long years of domestic strife.

Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions as the leader of the religious organization HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the organization from the catalog of international terrorist organizations during July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, stating online: "The nation shows its gratitude to the United States and supportive states for backing the country and its population."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday comes after US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" towards bringing peace to the war-torn country.

Both presidents held discussions on their first occasion during May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia while traveling through the region.

Subsequent to that discussion, Trump portrayed Sharaa as a "tough guy" having a "formative history".

His Islamist group HTS operated as the terrorist network's partner within Syria before he cut connections during 2016.

Previous US Visit

This week's diplomatic engagement will not be the president's debut journey to the US this year. During September, he emerged as the initial Syrian president to address the UN General Assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

In his speech, he stated the country had been "restoring its proper position across international circles" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• Syrian leader addresses UN General Assembly for first time in almost 60 years
• The presidential discussion with Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations