Risch, Shaheen Meet with President al-Sharaa of Syria

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below following a meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria:

"We were glad to welcome President al-Sharaa to the United States Capitol today to discuss the future of the U.S.-Syria relationship. We reaffirmed our support for a stable, representative, and prosperous Syria, bolstered by the repeal of Assad-era Caesar Act sanctions, safety for all Syrian communities, and constructive engagement with its neighbors, including Israel.

"President al-Sharaa committed to cooperating on the fight against ISIS, which is in the U.S. national security interest, and we encouraged him to free Syria of Russian and Iranian influence. We will continue to watch closely Syria's work to destroy stockpiles of Assad's illegal chemical weapons and drugs like Captagon and methamphetamine that plague the region. Finally, we will work to ensure all wrongfully detained Americans under the ruthless Assad regime, like Austin Tice, are found and returned to their families. We will not rest until every American is found and brought home.

"Under President al-Sharaa's leadership, the Syrian government is becoming a U.S. partner and we're ready to support this strengthened relationship. As Congress moves forward to pass the bipartisan legislation that would fully repeal Caesar sanctions against Syria, the world is watching how Syria treats its own people and its neighbors. If Syria continues on its current trajectory, we have no doubt policymakers and investors alike will have confidence about Syria's future."

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