Press release issued by SOS Chrétiens d’Orient: Lifting Sanctions on Syria: Triple Good News

On 13 May, Donald Trump announced his intention to lift the US sanctions imposed on Syria for the past fourteen years. “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” he said.

For Benjamin Blanchard, Director General of SOS Chrétiens d’Orient, an NGO present in Syria since 2013, lifting the sanctions would be triple good news for the Syrian people:

• “Keeping sanctions in place is a fast track to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line.”

• “Keeping sanctions in place means preventing the reconstruction of a country devastated by fourteen years of war.”

• “Keeping sanctions in place also means closing off any future for the Syrian people and encouraging emigration, especially to Europe.”

“International sanctions have weakened Syria and are driving Syrians further into poverty,” he added. “Sanctions targeting specific individuals or political leaders may serve as diplomatic pressure, but in most cases, they are the poorest families who suffer the worst consequences.”

Since its founding, SOS Chrétiens d’Orient has consistently called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria.

The cessation of US sanctions would be a hugely positive development. It would allow financial transactions with Syria to resume, restart trade, and encourage foreign investment. It would also strengthen the Syrian pound and could help reduce inflation, directly improving Syrians’ purchasing power.

Let us rejoice for and with the Syrian people.

Benjamin Blanchard, Director General of SOS Chrétiens d’Orient, with all our team would be delighted to answer the questions of journalists.

Contact us: +33 (0)7 61 25 08 62