Canada's Foreign Ministry announced on 5/12 that it would remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and delist the Islamic group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a "terrorist organization". This decision, the ministry emphasized, was carefully considered.

"These steps align with recent decisions by our allies, including the US and UK, and support the transitional government's efforts in Syria to promote stability in the country," the Canadian Foreign Ministry stated.

Canada had listed Syria as a "state sponsor of terrorism" in 2012, citing the then-president Bashar al-Assad regime's handling of protests. HTS was widely sanctioned due to its ties with Al-Qaeda. However, some Western nations have removed the group from their terror lists to facilitate better cooperation with Syria's new government and interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Ahmed al-Sharaa came to power in December 2024 after HTS led a rebel coalition that overthrew former president Assad's government. That same month, he was removed from the US wanted list. Syria's new leaders are seeking to project a moderate image on the international stage.

HTS severed ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016 and focused on consolidating its influence in northwestern Syria. The US removed the group from its terror list in July, and the UK delisted HTS in October, paving the way for renewed relations with Syria.

Syrians carrying flags gather in Hama city on 5/12. *AFP*

Despite these changes, the Canadian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it is maintaining sanctions against 56 Syrian individuals. These individuals include former officials of the Assad regime and members of his family.

Syria announced last month the reopening of its embassy in London after 14 years. This move marks the latest step in the country's efforts to restore global diplomatic ties.

By Huyen Le, adapted from AFP