US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday evening that President Trump will notify Congress of his intention to remove Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, calling the move a 'historic step' that opens new economic opportunities. The statement follows reports that the Trump administration had already notified congressional leaders of the decision earlier in the day.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Wednesday evening that President Trump will notify Congress of his intention to remove Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, calling the step 'historic' and citing new economic opportunities. Rubio's remarks were reported by N12 News.
The Zioneer had reported earlier Wednesday that the Trump administration had already notified congressional leaders of the decision. At 17:33 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the notification had been made, triggering a mandatory 45-day congressional review period. At 21:04 Jerusalem, a senior US official confirmed to Reuters that President Trump personally informed Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara of the move. The initial report, at 17:31 Jerusalem, came from Channel 12, quoting Trump himself saying alongside al-Shara that Syria could help with Hezbollah and that he intends to remove Syria from the terror list.
The removal of Syria from the terror list would mark a significant shift in US policy, lifting sanctions and potentially enabling reconstruction and normalization. As The Zioneer has reported, the move follows Trump's earlier statement that Syria could assist in addressing Hezbollah in Lebanon, indicating a broader strategic realignment.
The 45-day congressional review period is now underway. It remains to be seen whether Congress will approve the removal or seek to block it. The full details of the administration's rationale, beyond economic opportunity, have not yet been elaborated.
6 developments
- StrongTrump to meet Syrian President al-Sharaa in Turkey this week
- StrongTrump says Syria 'would be happy' to handle Hezbollah, Lebanese president to visit Washington
- DevelopingTrump to submit Iran peace and nuclear deal to Congress, vows to destroy enriched uranium
- StrongReport: Trump administration presses Israel and Syria to resume security talks
Source and signal
- Internal intake