DAMASCUS — The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called on Sunday for an immediate end to Western sanctions on Syria following the ouster of President Bashar Assad.

Speaking in Damascus, Pedersen emphasized the need for reconstruction efforts to begin and for the international community to support Syria’s rebuilding.

Syria has been under strict U.S. and European Union sanctions for years, imposed in response to Assad’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011, which later escalated into a devastating civil war.

The conflict has claimed nearly half a million lives and displaced half of the country’s pre-war population of 23 million.

Sanctions have hindered reconstruction in government-held areas, as they aim to prevent the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure without a political resolution.

“We can hopefully see a quick end to the sanctions so that we can see really a rallying around the building of Syria,” Pedersen told reporters during his visit to Damascus.

Pedersen met with members of Syria’s new interim government, established by opposition forces that toppled Assad.

The government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is set to govern until March. However, details about the transition to a permanent administration remain unclear.

HTS is currently designated a terrorist organization by the United States, which could complicate reconstruction efforts. However, reports indicate that the Biden administration is considering removing the designation to facilitate engagement with the new leadership.

“We need to get the political process underway that is inclusive of all Syrians,” Pedersen said. “That process obviously needs to be led by the Syrians themselves.”

Pedersen stressed the importance of accountability for crimes committed during Syria’s 12-year war, calling for justice and reconciliation. He also urged the international community to increase humanitarian aid to address the immense challenges facing Syria’s population. — Agencies