The Syrian caretaker Finance Minister, Muhammad Abu Zaid, told Al Jazeera yesterday, Monday, that the country’s foreign debt ranges between 20 and 23 billion dollars.
Reuters quoted the new Syrian Minister of Trade, Maher Khalil al-Hassan, as saying that Damascus is unable to conclude deals to import fuel, wheat, or other major goods due to the strict American sanctions on the country, despite the desire of many countries – including the Gulf states – to provide these goods to Syria. .
The minister indicated that the new administration – which is ruling the country – was able to collect enough wheat and fuel for a few months, but he explained that Syria would face a “disaster” if the sanctions were not frozen or lifted soon.
The United States imposed sanctions on Syria during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, targeting his government and other government institutions, including the Central Bank of Syria.
Russia and Iran – both major supporters of the government of the ousted Syrian president – previously provided most of the wheat and oil products that Syria needed, but they stopped doing so after the opposition overthrew Assad, who fled to Moscow.
General license
The US Treasury Department announced on its website yesterday, Monday, the issuance of a general license related to Syria, allowing transactions with Syrian government institutions and some energy transactions.
The licenses include allowing the transfer of personal funds to Syria, including through the Central Bank of Syria, in a move aimed at facilitating financial operations related to individuals and institutions.
The American Wall Street Journal quoted officials as saying that this step, approved by the US administration, authorizes the Treasury Department to issue exemptions to relief groups and companies that provide basics such as water, electricity, and other humanitarian supplies.
