The Japanese government approved the removal of sanctions on 16 organizations connected to Syria, signaling support for the government of President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The decision follows Japan's lifting of sanctions on four Syrian entities in May 2025, with the original measures imposed in 2011 against the Assad regime.
António Guterres arrived in Syria on Saturday for a three-day visit, marking the first time a serving UN Secretary-General has visited Damascus since 2009, before the civil war that killed hundreds of thousands. Guterres met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and appealed to the international community to support Syria's reconstruction and political transition.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed the final 70 members of Syria's new 210-member parliament, completing the chamber that will convene for its first session. Two-thirds of the lawmakers were previously chosen by regional electoral colleges, with 21 women among the total membership.
