Syria's new trade minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan warned on January 6 that strict US sanctions are preventing the country from importing essential goods like fuel and wheat, and called for their lifting or suspension to avoid a looming crisis.
Syria is facing difficulties in securing key imports like fuel and wheat due to strict U.S. sanctions, despite interest from other countries, including Gulf Arab states, Syria’s new trade minister, Maher Khalil al-Hasan, told Reuters on January 6.
Speaking from Damascus, al-Hasan warned that the country’s new administration, formed by Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham after ousting President Bashar al-Assad in December, has only enough wheat and fuel to last a few months. Without a lift or freeze of sanctions, he said Syria faces a "catastrophe."
The sanctions, which were imposed during Assad’s rule, target his government and state institutions like the central bank. Russia and Iran, long supporters of Assad, halted their aid after the regime fell and Assad fled to Moscow.
In response to Syria's plight, the U.S. is expected to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid and services like electricity, while maintaining its strict sanctions on the country. The full impact of these changes is still unclear.
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Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed agreements worth about $5.3bn aimed at boosting cooperation across aviation, telecommunications and water infrastructure, marking one of the largest economic initiatives since Syria’s leadership change.
Cuba’s fuel crisis has turned into a waste crisis, with rubbish piling up on most street corners in Havana as many collection trucks lack enough petrol to operate.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy held military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (16 February), state-linked media reported. The drill took place a day before renewed nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.
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Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced on 16 February that the Honourable Janice Charette has been appointed as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States. She's been tasked with overseeing the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
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An unidentified man was taken into custody on Tuesday (17 February) after running towards the U.S. Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing tactical gear, according to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
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