The Syrian Future Movement welcomes the decision taken by the Canadian government on February 19, 2026, to lift the comprehensive economic sanctions imposed on Syria since 2011. This includes removing a number of entities and individuals from the sanctions lists and opening the door to transactions in vital sectors such as oil, telecommunications, and financial services, while maintaining targeted sanctions against perpetrators of human rights violations and sectarian violence.
The Syrian Future Movement views this decision as a significant and positive step, culminating a series of international developments in Syria over the past year. It contributes to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people, enhancing opportunities for economic recovery and reconstruction, and improving living conditions for citizens after years of isolation and siege.
The Syrian Future Movement recalls its previous firm and principled positions in support of lifting the comprehensive economic sanctions that affect the Syrian people as a whole, including:
- The statement issued on September 22, 2025, entitled “A Step Towards Ending Sanctions and a New Beginning for the Syrian People,” published on the official website, in which the Syrian Future Movement affirmed its support for every sincere international effort that contributes to ending the sanctions and opening a new chapter for Syria.
- The research paper titled “Remaining US Sanctions on Syria,” dated November 11, 2025, and published on the official website, addressed developments in the sanctions file and emphasized the need to focus on lifting them to support stability and development.
- The statement regarding the Security Council resolution titled “Security Council Resolution Lifting Sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab,” dated November 7, 2025, indicated that the Syrian Future Movement believes such steps strengthen the environment for civil peace and economic development.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that lifting comprehensive economic sanctions—not just targeted ones—is a fundamental condition for the success of the transitional phase in Syria. It allows for the flow of investments, the reconstruction of infrastructure, the creation of job opportunities, and the achievement of economic stability, which in turn strengthens political and social stability.
The Syrian Future Movement calls on the international community, particularly Western and European countries, to complement these positive Canadian steps by completely lifting the remaining economic sanctions, expediting Syria’s reintegration into the international financial system, and supporting an international reconstruction conference, while maintaining fair and targeted accountability mechanisms for perpetrators of crimes and violations without punishing the Syrian people.
The Syrian Future Movement renews its commitment to supporting every national and international effort that serves the interests of the Syrian people and contributes to building a civil, democratic state based on freedom, justice, and dignity, and affirms that the bright future of Syria begins with lifting all forms of collective sanctions that have burdened the Syrians.
