Canada considers lifting sanctions against Syria, removing HTS from terror list: sources

Canada is considering lifting sanctions imposed upon Syria more than a decade ago as well as removing HTS from its terror list after the Assad regime was toppled earlier this month by rebel forces.

Sources tell OMNI News the Canadian government is actively studying what’s happening on the ground after rebel forces swept through the country, ending a half-century of authoritarian rule and taking control of the capital of Damascus two weeks ago.

According to the source, the government is examining public statements made by Syria’s new administration regarding the formation of a transitional government which could lead to Canada recognizing the new government structure. The recognition would be contingent upon tangible steps taken by the new leadership in Syria to establish democratic institutions and the creation of a modern state that aligns with the aspirations of all Syrians.

Sources also say the government is considering reassessing the designation of HTS, or Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, as a terrorist organization, based on statements attributed to Ahmed Al-Sharaa – also known as Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, the leader of Syria’s new administration. HTS has renounced its al-Qaeda past, and Golani has promised to bring a pluralistic government to Syria, seeking to dispel fears among many Syrians that the insurgents will impose a hard-line, extremist rule.

The United States recently cancelled a US$10 million bounty on Al-Sharaa.

Canada imposed sanctions against the Syrian government in 2011 under then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The targeted measures included travel and economic sanctions against members of the Syrian government including President Bashar Assad, calling the situation at that time a “grave breach of international peace.”

Files from The Associated Press were used in this report