Canada eases Syria sanctions, names ambassador

Canada announced plans to ease its financial sanctions against Syria and to appoint an ambassador, as the Damascus interim government seeks international support.

Canada’s special envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, says: “Canada can play a meaningful role in enabling Syrians to build an inclusive country that respects all of its citizens. We also can help prevent Syria from falling into chaos and instability.”

“We also can help prevent Syria from falling into chaos and instability.”

A statement from Canada’s foreign ministry said sanctions would be eased “to allow funds to be sent through certain banks in the country, such as Syria’s Central Bank.”

Canada’s ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, will now take on a parallel role as a non-resident ambassador to neighboring Syria.