Shaheen, Risch Statement on Syria Sanctions

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on President Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria:

"We commend President Trump's decision to lift all sanctions on Syria. His decision is a welcome response to our call for removal of barriers to expanded engagement with the Syrian interim government. As we have continuously stressed - including in our April 21 letter to Secretary Rubio - the fall of the Assad regime presents a fleeting opportunity for the United States to safeguard American interests.

"To seize the moment, it will be important for the President's decision to be swiftly implemented and for the Syrian government to move quickly to address U.S. national security concerns. This will help Syria remain on the path to freedom from the malign influence of Iran and Russia, from China's attempt to gain an economic foothold in the Middle East, and from the resurgence of ISIS."

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