Newsletters
U.S. Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack called the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "an opportunity to end Middle East chaos" while announcing partial sanctions relief for Syria.
Barrack, who also serves as U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, told Ihlas News Agency (IHA) in New York on Wednesday that the meeting represents a chance "to bring all the threads together while chaos reigns in other parts of the Middle East." He spoke during the 80th General Assembly meetings of the United Nations.
The envoy confirmed that some Syrian sanctions have already been lifted, with more removals in process. "President Trump lifted General License 25. Export licenses are being lifted," Barrack said, noting ongoing work to remove the Caesar Act sanctions permanently.
"Our goal, President Trump's goal, is to give them (Syria) a chance," Barrack said.
"The only way to give Syria a chance is to turn on the lights. That's why we need more power, more electricity. We want people to feel a difference in their daily lives," he noted.
Barrack praised both leaders ahead of their Thursday meeting, calling them "great leaders" who could accomplish significant results together. He emphasized Türkiye's critical regional role in bringing stability to the complex region.
"My hope is they love each other, they both need each other," Barrack said, adding, "Türkiye's legitimacy as a center of regional stability is enormous."
The special representative highlighted Türkiye's dual importance as NATO's largest ally and the United States' biggest partner in the Middle East region. He framed the meeting as occurring at a crucial moment for regional diplomacy.
"Türkiye is not only NATO's biggest ally but also our biggest partner in a very complex region," Barrack stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation.
1 min read
The envoy detailed progress on Syria sanctions relief, explaining that multiple restrictions have already been removed. He indicated that the Caesar Act, a significant sanctions law, is in the process of being permanently removed, with exemptions currently available.
"There are already many sanctions that have been lifted," Barrack confirmed, though he acknowledged ongoing discussions about implementation methods.
The Trump administration's approach focuses on providing Syria's new regime an opportunity to stabilize, according to Barrack. He emphasized that practical improvements in Syrian daily life, particularly access to electricity, remain central to U.S. policy goals.
U.S. President Trump's directive to lift sanctions aims to give the new Syrian government a chance to prove itself, the envoy explained. The policy shift represents a significant change in the U.S. approach to Syria following recent political transitions in Damascus.
The Trump-Erdogan meeting is set to take place as both nations seek to address regional instability and strengthen their bilateral ties. Barrack's comments suggest optimism about potential breakthroughs on multiple fronts during the presidential summit.
1 min read
