US Congress is heading to lift the Caesar Act setting 8 conditions on the Syrian authorities
The US Congress has published the official text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a new provision calling for the complete repeal of the Caesar Act on the imposition of sanctions on Syria and its replacement with a periodic review system instead of comprehensive sanctions.
According to a post for the Syrian-American Coalition for Peace and Prosperity on X, the amendment obliges the US president to submit periodic reports to Congress on the extent to which the Syrian government adheres to a set of political, security and human rights standards.
Criteria required by Washington to lift sanctions, as key points include:
- Cooperation with the United States in combating the Islamic State and preventing its return.
- Removing foreign fighters from command positions in the country.
- Protect the rights of minorities and ensure their representation in the institutions of government.
- Refrain from any aggression against neighboring countries.
- Implementation of the March 10 agreement with the SDF.
- Combating the financing of terrorism and money laundering.
- Hold accountable those involved in serious human rights violations.
- Stopping the manufacture and trafficking of drugs, especially Captagon.
The amendment stipulates that the US president will send an initial report within 90 days, then periodic reports every 180 days for four years, with sanctions automatically re-imposed if it’s found that the standards aren’t complied with during two consecutive periods.
The final vote could take place within days, before the bill is referred to the White House for official signature.
Political parties and organizations linked to Israel opposed this approach, warning that lifting sanctions could give Damascus early political legitimacy.
Among the most prominent rejecters, a number of US lawmakers known for their support for Israel, the American political and security lobbyists, Syrian entities residing in the United States.
One the other hand, US House Representative, Brian Mast has softened his rhetoric, stipulates mechanism for return to sanctions.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast has reversed his previous position, expressing his willingness to support the repeal of the law, but on the condition that it includes provisions that allow for the re-imposition of sanctions for breaches of conditions.
In a press interview, he confirmed that the cancellation would be complete, but that it was conditional on strict monitoring and immediate action if the Syrian government failed to implement its commitments.
The US Treasury and Commerce Departments have announced the extension of the suspension of most Caesar Act sanctions for an additional 180 days, as restrictions on doing business with Russia and Iran continue.
The joint statement said the extension was aimed at opening the door for international investment, while maintaining security red lines.
He added that the sanctions continue to include Bashar al Assad and his cronies, drug traffickers and human rights violators, in addition to the continued revision of Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
