Canada Removes Syria from List of State Sponsors of Terrorism
Canada has made a significant move by removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry. This decision was announced on Friday and marks a new development in the relationship between the two nations.
Background on the Decision
The Canadian government conducted an extensive review before making this decision. As a result, Syria has been removed from Canada’s List of Foreign State Supporters of Terrorism under the State Immunity Act. Additionally, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has been removed from the List of Terrorist Entities under the Canadian Criminal Code. This move aligns with recent decisions made by the UK and US, reflecting efforts by the Syrian transitional government to promote stability, build an inclusive future, and collaborate with global partners to counter terrorism.
Canada’s Stance on Terrorism
The Canadian ministry emphasized the country’s ongoing commitment to addressing global security threats, particularly those posed by Al-Qaeda and ISIS (Daesh). This commitment underscores Canada’s dedication to international security and stability.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian Civil War
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was a powerful armed group opposing Bashar al-Assad’s forces during Syria’s civil war. Notably, Ahmad al-Sharaa, who became Syria’s president after Assad’s ouster, previously served as the head of this group. This complex history highlights the dynamic nature of the conflict in Syria.
Reaction from Canada and Syria
Canada’s Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, expressed welcome for the "positive steps" taken by the Syrian government towards a peaceful, Syrian-led political transition since the end of the Assad regime. She reaffirmed Canada’s support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of an inclusive, stable, and prosperous future. In response, Syria viewed Canada’s move as a "positive and constructive development" that recognizes the harmful impact of sanctions on the Syrian people and the country’s vital sectors.
Future Relations and Sanctions
The Syrian Foreign Ministry sees this step as an important milestone in advancing Syrian-Canadian relations, opening the door to a new phase of multifaceted cooperation. Although Canada continues to maintain sanctions on 56 Syrian entities and 225 individuals, mainly targeting former Assad regime officials, there have been limited relief measures introduced. A general permit was issued in February to temporarily ease certain economic sanctions, valid until February 2026.
Conclusion
The removal of Syria from Canada’s list of state sponsors of terrorism marks a significant shift in their diplomatic relationship. It reflects the international community’s recognition of the efforts made by the new Syrian administration to transition towards a more stable and inclusive government. As Syria and Canada look towards the future, their cooperation could play a crucial role in promoting regional and international security and stability. The path ahead will require continued dialogue and commitment to countering terrorism and rebuilding the Syrian nation.
