Canada removes Syria from list of states that support terrorism'

"Ottawa cites similar move by US as well as Syrian government's efforts to advance stability in the country. Canada has removed Syria from its list of states that support terrorism, citing a similar move by the United States as well as efforts by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government to advance the country's stability. The announcement on Friday comes as Syria prepares to mark one year since the toppling of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad."

"These measures are in line with recent decisions taken by our allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and follows the efforts by the Syrian transitional government to advance Syria's stability, build an inclusive and secure future for its citizens, and work alongside global partners to reinforce regional stability and counter terrorism, it said. Canada had listed Syria as a state supporter of terrorism in 2012, as al-Assad's crushing of pro-democracy protests plunged the country into civil war."

"HTS had been widely sanctioned over its links to al-Qaeda, but several Western states have delisted the group to allow for better collaboration with the new Syrian government. Since taking power, Syria's new leaders have sought to break from their violent past and present a more moderate image to Syrians and foreign powers. The ministry said it was still maintaining sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former officials from al-Assad's former government and members of the toppled president's family."

Canada removed Syria from its list of state supporters of terrorism and revoked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's terrorist designation. The changes follow similar decisions by allied countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and are linked to efforts by the Syrian transitional government to advance stability and build an inclusive, secure future. Canada continues to enforce sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former al-Assad officials and family members. Syria had been listed in 2012 after a violent crackdown that sparked civil war. Several Western states delisted HTS to enable collaboration with the new Syrian government.

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